Meralco Bolts’ import Tony Bishop. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Meralco took the first win of the restart as it stopped NLEX, 110-100, in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts remained perfect this conference with a 3-0 record while the Road Warriors slipped to their second straight loss with a 4-2 slate.
Wasting no time to assert its presence, Meralco raced to an early 33-18 lead after the first.
Bishop over Oftana.
86-70 Meralco #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/FNainUBJjE
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 11, 2022
This early spurt allowed the Bolts to create enough distance as the Road Warriors never got to within striking distance with the smallest lead for Meralco a nine-point margin, 109-100, in the final 20 seconds of the game.
“We located a formula to win and it starts with defense, it starts with Tony Bishop,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black. “Our defense allows us to go out and slow teams down and get them off their offense.”
The Bolts’ defensive rebounding also allowed them to punish NLEX on the break as raced to 16 fastbreak points.
“Getting those defensive rebounds gives us a chance to run,” said Black.
CHRIS NEWSOME TAKES OFF 😤 #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/GyDvbWIG7I
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 11, 2022
Bishop had a team-high 32 points with 13 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Bolts while Aaron Black added 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Cliff Hodge also had a double-double for Meralco with 11 points and 12 boards. New recruit Chris Banchero sat out the game.
KJ McDaniels had 41 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks to lead NLEX.