Meralco zaps foe

Getting their groove going early on, Meralco hammered out a 111-94 decision over Phoenix Pulse in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts put on the heat halfway through the opening period, dealing damage from inside and out en route to an impressive victory, that elated coach Norman Black.

“I couldn’t have asked for more as far as our offense is concerned, especially when it came to the balance on our offense—the way the players moved and shared the basketball,” he said, as his squad moved up to 3-1.

Later, Magnolia kept Alaska at bay for a 95-90 victory—its third in four games—as Ian Sangalang scored nine of his total 19 points in the final frame.

Meralco’s starters all finished in double-digits, with Allen Durham and Baser Amer leading with 27 and 26.

Chris Newsome tossed in 13 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in the stand that Black felt was true to his team’s identity.

“We just wanted to continue to stay in character and be a good defensive team but at the same time, we know that there are certain teams that you have to score against,” said Black, who pushed the Fuel Masters to a 1-4 rut.

Black even went on to suggest that they could’ve been unbeaten had they figured out a way to neutralize the deep shooting of NLEX, dealer of Meralco’s lone loss thus far.

The Road Warriors, for their part, also made a good account of themselves following a cardiac 113-111 overtime victory over Barangay Ginebra in Dubai early Saturday morning.

“From the first half, I think we were behind by 28 points. Then losing our import before overtime? It’s one of those games you’ll remember for a long time,” coach Yeng Guiao said.

Kiefer Ravena turned in an equally unforgettable performance, finishing with 13 points and 17 assists against just one turnover.