Wilson leads Meralco comeback over San Mig Coffee
Reynel Hugnatan of Meralco (light) vs Joe Devance and Mark Barroca of San Mig Coffee (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—John Wilson, Jared Dillinger and Reynel Hugnatan willed Meralco back from an 18 points down to shock San Mig Coffee, 72-64, in the 2014 PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Wilson, Dillinger and Hugnatan outscored the Mixers, 26-10, in the fourth quarter as the Bolts erased a 33-51 deficit in the third period to log their third win against three losses.
“I huddled them after the game and I told them this victory is all yours. It’s a great testament on the fantastic resolve that we played out there,” said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio. “Wilson, [Hugnatan] and Dillinger hit some big shots.”
Wilson, the former NCAA MVP, knocked in all of his 19 points in the second half and 14 in the final frame, including 10 straight points that gave the Bolts the lead for good, 60-56, with 6:57 to go.
Hugnatan added 16 points and eight rebounds while Dillinger took off from Wilson’s offensive onslaught and finished with 13 points, six rebounds and four assists,
A pull-up by Dillinger put Meralco up, 71-61, with 43.8 ticks left to cap a blistering 36-10 run after Hugnatan scored on the post and drew a charge on James Yap.
Yap led San Mig Coffee, which slipped to 1-5, with 14 points on six-of-23 shooting from the field.
“Our shift from man to zone got the rhythm off and we started to make shots when it mattered the most. It’s a big win for us,” Gregorio added.
“At this point, we don’t want to celebrate.”
Meralco faces off with unbeaten Petron Blaze next.
