BY MARK REY MONTEJO
Meralco and Barangay Ginebra outlasted their separate rivals to further press their playoff drives in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Friday evening, Dec. 12.
Coming off a 120-87 win over the Terrafirm Dyip, the Bolts started hot, rushing to a 43-26 lead on the way to an 88-78 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters for their second straight victory.
Though they controlled the tempo of the game, the Bolts needed the heroics of Gilas veteran Chris Newsome whose timely baskets kept Phoenix at bay.
The Luigi Trillo-mentored crew’s win gave them a solid hold at No. 7 spot with a 5-4 card, while Phoenix dropped to 3-7 at 10th place.
Newsome tallied 17 points on top of five rebounds, and three assists, while CJ Cansino topscored anew for the Bolts with 22 points along with four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Bong Quinto contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Cliff Hodge posted 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Jansen Rios and Kurt Reyson added nine points apiece.
Jason Perkins and Ricci Rivero topped Phoenix with 13 points each, while Ken Tuffin and Evan Nelle chipped in 12 and 10 points which all went for naught.
The win should be a morale booster for Meralco as it faces the dangerous Converge (6-3) this Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Phoenix, on the other hand, squares off with Titan Ultra (3-6)
Meanwhile, Ginebra put on a show and dismantled a cellar-dweller Terrafirma side, 108-77, to likewise hike its mark t 5-4.
The Gin Kings were a joy to watch offensively, scoring almost at will even in transition plays that zoomed to a commanding 90-56 lead at the eight-minute mark of the final canto.
Joshua David spearheaded the Kings’ onslaught with 16 points, while Norbert Torres and Troy Rosario both scored 13. Sonny Estil and Japeth Aguilar logged 12 points each.
Scottie Thompson also impressed for Ginebra with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while RJ Abarrientos added nine points, seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal in another show of force.
A three-day break is given to the Kings as they set to fly to Bahrain where they tangle with current leader Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-2) at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium this Wednesday, Dec.17.
Paolo Hernandez, Mark Nonoy, and John Bravo listed 15, 11, and 10 points, respectively, in a losing effort as Terrafirma stayed at the bottom of the standings holding a 1-9 tally.
