BOLTS OVERPOWER DYIP
THE second stringers went to work for Meralco as the Bolts whipped the Terrafirma Dyip, 95-83, on Thursday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts—playing without go-to-guy guard Chris Newsome, Reymar Jose and big man Cliff Hodge because of health and safety protocols—outscored the Dyip, 2213, in the fourth quarter to claim their six wins against two losses.
The Bolts ran second in the standings behind early quarterfinalist TNT Tropang Giga (9-1).
“This win was big for us. We just have to play together, and play for one another,” Meralco coach Norman Black said. “Our defense controlled the pace of the game.”
The Bolts limited the Dyip to a 38.8 percent (31 of 80) shooting from the field.
“That was very important tonight, with a very tough game against Terrafirma,” Black said. “Our defense held up in the second half, and the guys came up with big shots. Everybody contributed to this game.”
Bong Quinto was the most aggressive and scored 17 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the foul line and hauled down eight rebounds for the Bolts.
Anjo Caram had six of his 13 points in the fourth period and he also had plus five assists, while Allein Maliksi contributed 12 points.
Ahead 73-70 at the end of the third period, Caram led the fourthquarter assault that have Meralco a 91-79 cushion with over 4:12 left.
The Dyip failed to comeback and dropped to a 3-7 win-loss record that dimmed their bid for the quarterfinals.
Raymond Almazan was in his elements for Meralco and finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Veteran Reynel Hugnatan added 10 points, eight he made in the last quarter, and rookie Alvin Pasaol had 10 points and eight rebounds.
Besides Newsome, Jose and Hodge, Black’s son Aaron suffered a right hand injury in the first two minutes of the game and didn’t return.
Aldrech Ramos scattered 15 points and Joseph Gabayni had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds for Terrafirma.