The Meralco Bolts prevented a back-to-back defeat as they spoiled the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 91-84.
Coach Caloy Garcia paraded his 6-foot-10 import in Denzel Bowles and immediately his presence was felt by the Bolts. Bowles is almost everywhere either shooting from perimeter shot, taking slam dunks and even launching three-pointers.
Yet it was Anjo Caram who entered the game from the bench who dropped 17 points and dished out 6 assists with no turnovers.
Caram sparked Meralco’s run in the third quarter and later was named as the Bida Player of the Game.
Meralco led as much as 12 points and the entire fourth quarter they were seen protecting that points advantage.
Still, Rain or Shine kept themselves within striking distance after Ed Daquioag nailed a three-pointer, 84-87 with only 2:21 remaining in the final period.
Nico Salva and their import Gani Lawal answered back and made sure that they will seal the deal and help their squad log their second victory.
Meralco vs Rain or Shine Box Score
Quarters: 27-31 | 46-52 | 71-67 | 91-84
Bolts (91) – Lawal 19, Caram 17, Newsome 16, De Ocampo 12, Salva 7, Hodge 6, Hugnatan 4, Canaleta 3, Amer 3, Jackson 2, Quinto 2.
Elasto Painters (84) – Bowles 31, Daquioag 13, Belga 12, Nambatac 8, Norwood 7, Mocon 4, Onwubere 3, Yap 3, Borboran 2, Torres 1