Meralco bounces back, hands NLEX its fourth straight loss

Meralco bounced back at the expense of NLEX, 105-91, on Friday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The win came after the Bolts' 101-99 loss to TNT last Tuesday.

NLEX was trailing 86-84 with seven minutes remaining in the fourth period before the Bolts pulled away after a 7-2 run to lead 93-86. Brandon Ramirez and Mike Watkins put NLEX within six, 97-91, with around three minutes left before Meralco made a late run with Chris Banchero sealing the victory with a four-pointer.

The Road Warriors started strong and led 19-9 before the first period ended in favor of the Bolts, 29-24. Meralco held the lead at the half, 54-49.

Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo admitted that they started slow in their recent games but found their rhythm eventually.

"We haven't been having good starts in the last three games," Trillo said. "This game, we were more in rhythm."

Trillo added that having played three games since the league returned to action also helped the Bolts in their cause.

Akil Mitchell had 24 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Bong Quinto led the locals with 16 points as Meralco improved to 5-3.

Mike Watkins posted 38 points, grabbed 21 rebounds, on top of two steals, two blocks, and an assist, while Robert Bolick had 19 points, 10 assists, two boards, and two steals as the Road Warriors suffered their fourth straight loss and slipped to 3-5.

Scores:

Meralco 105 – Mitchell 24, Quinto 16, Cansino 13, Banchero 11, Black 11, Newsome 10, Hodge 9, Bates 8, Rios 3, Almazan 0, Caram 0.

NLEX 91 – Watkins 38, Bolick 19, Ramirez 12, Policarpio 6, Alas 5, Mocon 5, Torres 3, Semerad 3, Rodger 0, Fajardo 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0, Amer 0.

Quarters: 29-24, 54-49, 77-70, 105-91.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News