Meralco import Gani Lawal continues to impress in tuneup win over Alaska

Alaska leading Meralco, 28-23, early in the second quarter of their tuneup game here at Gatorade Hoops Center. #PBA pic.twitter.com/saVsPjgJk6

— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) May 14, 2019

MANILA, Philippines—Gani Lawal continued to make a good account of himself as Meralco’s reinforcement in the coming 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Lawal scored 31 points to power Meralco past Alaska, 87-80, in a tune-up game Tuesday at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

The 30-year-old, 6-foot-9 Lawal delivered down the stretch, scoring the Bolts’ last six points to keep the Aces at bay.

“He (Lawal) may not be as tall or as heavy as some of the other imports but he’s very strong inside the paint and he’s a very good defensive player,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black.

Lawal and Daniels got into a heated verbal exchange and had to be separated. #PBA pic.twitter.com/RIylR7czgk

— Mark Giongco (@MarkGiongcoINQ) May 14, 2019

The year-old Lawal scored on an emphatic dunk that made it, 85-77, before following it up with a blow by against Alaska import Chris Daniels to seal the victory with 20 ticks to go.

Both teams missed key players. The Bolts played minus Jared Dillinger and Ranidel de Ocampo while Jeron Teng and Chris Banchero sat out for the Aces.

Alaska got off to a strong start but it just couldn’t sustain its play as the game went on especially with Lawal imposing his will in the second half.

Daniels also had 31, 16 of which coming in the third quarter.