Meralco import Tony Bishop. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Meralco opened the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup with a dominant 98-77 win over Blackwater, extending the the Bossing’s league-worst losing skid Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts, who played their first game of the conference, joined Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra at No. 3 so far while the Bossing dropped to 0-3 with their 22 straight setback.
After a 16-all tie at the end of the first, Meralco pulled away for good thanks to a 21-7 run in the second period capped off by Chris Newsome’s triple with 5:45 to play in the half for a 39-25 lead.
The Bolts then buried the Elite further as Tony Bishop spearheaded a 23-7 blitz that made it 75-51 close to the end of third.
Bishop too strong for Ebona. 85-61 Meralco under 8mins left in the 4q #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/ECK4UsIYcc
— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 16, 2021
“It’s important for us to get a good start,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black. “Our defense held out from start to finish. It’s a good start for us and it’s something to build on.”
Bishop finished with a game-high 28 points with 13 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks to lead the Bolts while John Pinto added 18 points, seven assists, and two steals.
Rashawn McCarthy led the Bossing with 19 points while Jaylen Bond had an 18-point, 15-rebound line.