PBA on Tour: Meralco keeps TNT winless despite depleted line-up

Meralco Bolts’ Allein Maliksi. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco shook off having a depleted lineup coupled with an injury sustained by Anjo Caram to defeat TNT, 108-90, in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Allein Maliksi dropped 28 points while Bong Quinto had 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists as the Bolts got their fourth win in six games despite playing with just 10 players in uniform.

The victory also came despite losing Caram, who coach Luigi Trillo considers a “revelation” in the PBA On Tour, after pulling his hamstring in the second quarter.

“We just have to make do,” said Trillo, whose team has been playing without key players like Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero and Aaron Black. “But this [On Tour] is also an opportunity for us to try new things.”

Caram came into the contest averaging 13.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

Diego Dario logged most of the minutes in his absence, posting six points and three assists in 23 minutes for Meralco.

Minutes were also given to usual reserves Raymar Jose, who produced 10 points and 12 rebounds, and Kyle Pascual with seven rebounds despite being scoreless.

Glenn Khobuntin scored 28 points in another high-scoring output, but the Tropang Giga remained winless after five games.

TNT’s loss came on the day the team retired the No. 4 jersey of Harvey Carey during a simple ceremony at halftime.

The scores:

MERALCO 108—Maliksi 28, Quinto 19, Almazan 13, Johnson 13, Hodge 10, Jose 10, Torres 7, Dario 6, Pasaol 2, Caram 0, Pascual 0.

TNT 90—Khobuntin 28, Ganuelas-Rosser 15, Tungcab 15, Cruz 15, Marcelo 6, Varilla 5, Alfaro 2, Jopia 2, Cuntapay 2.

Quarters: 24-17, 48-44, 74-67, 108-90.