PBA: Bolts hold off TNT, improve to 2-0

Cliff Hodge leads balanced attack from Meralco. PBA IMAGES

Meralco established a solid start in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as it held off Talk N’ Text, 88-84, Saturday at Philsports Arena.

A 2-0 win-loss record is now beside the Bolts’ name in the team standings while the Texters dropped to 1-1.

The Texters didn’t go down without a fight as Ranidel de Ocampo hit a triple from the right wing with 15.2 seconds remaining to close in on the Bolts, 86-82.

READ: TNT import Ivan Johnson fined P250k, banned from PBA

He then attempted another triple in transition, but Bolts forward Cliff Hodge stuffed his attempt and sealed the victory.

Bolts head coach Norman Black told his team to keep their cool after seeing Texters import Ivan Johnson get ejected in the second quarter, and subsequently banned right before the game ended.

“Ivan Johnson getting thrown out of the game, well it worked to our advantage,” Black said whose team is now atop the standings. “Once again we really preached to our players to adjust on how the game is governed to avoid an Ivan Johnson.”

Meralco relied on a well-balanced attack with Cliff Hodge delivering 16 points, leading six Bolts who finished in double figures in scoring.

Jared Dillinger had a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double while Arinze Onuaku added 14 points and seven boards.

Bryan Faundo pitched in 11 points while Baser Amer and former Texter Jimmy Alapag had 10 points apiece.

Jayson Castro had 25 points, 15 in the final period, to lead Talk N’ Text.