Meralco import Gani Lawal. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco found an unlikely hero in Anjo Caram and came back from a lackluster first half to carve out a 91-84 victory over debuting Rain or Shine in Friday night’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup action at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Caram had 17 points to lead all of the Bolts’ locals while tossing in six assists off the bench.
Among the starters, import Gani Lawal Jr. had a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Newsome added 16 more to cap an all-around personal performance.
“It was a tough fourth game. I was very happy to see us play defense tonight, unlike against Ginebra,” said coach Norman Black. “Basically it all started with transition defense, being able to play five-on-five.
“I thought my local players really did a great job tonight. I feel like Gani really struggled offensively and defensively so my hat is off to my local players for stepping up. ”
Former Best Import and champion Denzel Bowles tallied 31 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, but his stellar stat line and familiarity with league’s play style weren’t enough to put the Elasto Painters ahead when it mattered.
Ed Daquioag and Beau Belga scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Rain or Shine’s only other twin-point performances.
Curiously, Raymond Almazan, Rain or Shine’s former big man, didn’t suit up for the Bolts. Black said that he didn’t want to take a risk in rolling out his new ward after only two days of full practice, but hopes that he could finally unveil Almazan in their next outing.
Meralco looks to further improve its 2-2 record when it goes up against Phoenix Fuel on June 7.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, will have an opportunity to recover from a campaign-opening loss it plays play 3-1 Blackwater on Sunday at Ynares in Antipolo.
The scores:
Meralco 91 – Lawal 19, Caram 17, Newsome 16, De Ocampo 12, Salva 7, Hodge 6, Hugnatan 4, Canaleta 3, Amer 3, Jackson 2, Quinto 2.
Rain or Shine 84 – Bowles 31, Daquioag 13, Belga 12, Nambatac 8, Norwood 7, Mocon 4, Onwubere 3, Yap 3, Borboran 2, Torres 1, Ponferada 0, Alejandro 0, Rosales 0.
Quarterscores: 27-31, 46-52, 71-67, 91-84