PBA Image/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco drew a throwback performance from Asi Taulava as the Bolts upended Barako Bull, 83-75, Wednesday night in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 38-year-old Taulava came through with 10 points, 17 rebounds and one block.
“Asi is playing like a young guy. He’s doing a good job keeping the team together, great numbers for a guy who is not supposed to play this way,” praised Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio.
Gregorio also commended his squad’s defensive efforts.
“We were cautious at their guards especially Dylan [Ababou] Willie [Miller] and Sunday [Salvacion],” said Gregorio. “Miller had his moments but we were able to contain the others.”
Miller, who is known as an explosive scorer, had 14 points but jacked up 16 shots and made only five while Ababou only had five points.
Much worse, Salvacion was held scoreless in 13 minutes and had three turnovers.
Mac Cardona led the Bolts, who improved to 7-4, in scoring with 17 points while Gabby Espinas chipped in 16 markers.
“We didn’t want to leave anything to chance. We wanted to make sure that we’re safely in the playoffs, and with three games left we’ll just continue to climb the ladder,” said Gregorio.
Meralco hit its stride in the third quarter sparked by its second stringers as the Bolts ended the period with an 11-0 run.
Sustaining its form, Meralco padded on to its lead and was very much in control, 78-62, with 4:10 left after two free throws by Mac Cardona.
Barako Bull made one last push and was able to cut the deficit to five, 75-80, but it was a case of too little too late as the Energy dropped to 5-5.