PBA: Debuting import Zach Lofton explodes for 54 as Meralco wallops NorthPort

Zach Lofton announced his debut in style, detonating for a whopping 54 points to carry Meralco to a huge 125-99 victory against erstwhile streaking NorthPort on Sunday in the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Lofton, who came in as a replacement for Su Braimoh, also grabbed seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal as the Bolts copped their third straight win to improve to 5-1 while snapping the Batang Pier's three-game surge to go 5-3. 

The Bolts swung the momentum to their favor in the third period, turning a 49-48 halftime lead to a 92-64 cushion before heading to the payoff period. During that 43-point third quarter outburst, Lofton dropped 20 of his total output to give Meralco the separation it needed to pull away for good.

Meralco spoiled a 31-point career-high performance from rookie Fran Yu as Lofton dropped the most points in a debut for an import since Troy Williams' 55-point outing in Blackwater's loss to Terrafirma last conference. 

NorthPort saw its three-game winning streak come to an end that saw them beat powerhouse clubs in San Miguel, Converge, and TNT. 

Scores:

Meralco 125 – Lofton 54, Maliksi 18, Newsome 11, Almazan 11, Banchero 8, Quinto 8, Bates 6, Dario 2, Pasaol 2, Hodge 2, Torres 0, Pascual 0, Rios 0.

NorthPort 99 – Yu 31, Tolentino 25, Calma 10, Jois 9, Paraiso 8, Amores 5, Munzon 5, Chan 2, Caperal 2, Ayaay 2, Taha 0, Salado 0, Flores 0.

Quarters: 16-25, 49-48, 92-64, 125-99.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News