The Meralco Bolts open up their Governor’s Cup campaign with a win over the Petron Blaze Boosters after they imposed an intense defense in the second half and ending the game with an 89-83 victory.
Photo Credit: PBA Image/Nuki Sabio
Meralco Bolts import Mario West scored with 23 points and led the Bolts in offense, while veteran Reynel Hugnatan made his contribution adding 20 points although he played against a bulky 6-foot-10 rookie center June Mar Fajardo.
Petron is loaded with complete firepower but Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio was able to find a favorable defensive matchups against Petron. Meralco’s John Wilson also contributed with 9 points in his debut for the Bolts despite playing a tough defense against debuting Petron import Elijah Millsap.
Petron’s import Elijah Millsap scored with 24 points but shot just 8-of-24 (33 percent) from the field. Coach Gregorio lauded the effort made by his import Mario West despite arriving only a day earlier and attending just one practice session with the Bolts.
The scores:
Meralco 89 – West 23, Hugnatan 20, Ross 14, Salvacion 13, Wilson 9, Reyes 4, Mangahas 2, Hodge 2, Guevarra 2, Vanlandingham 0, Allado 0.
Petron 83 – MIllsap 24, Santos 16, Fajardo 12, L(–foul word(s) removed–)iter 8, Cabagnot 8, Tubid 7, Lutz 2, Lanete 2, Kramer 2, Miranda 2, Deutchman 0, Yeo 0, Ildefonso 0.
Quarters: 16-28, 39-41, 66-61, 89-83