PBA: Meralco turns back Blackwater for 2-0 start in Commissioner’s Cup

Meralco Bolts import Suleiman Braimoh Jr. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO — Meralco held off Blackwater’s last-ditch effort on Saturday for a 91-84 win to stay perfect in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Bolts drew 40 points and 16 rebounds from import Suleiman Braimoh Jr. to emerge triumphant in a clash of two unbeaten clubs at Ynares Center here.

“All in all I think it was a good team effort. We played hard, we fought down to the end. Blackwater stayed in the game, we made some key rebounds, they made some key stops but I’m just happy we got the win,” the Nigerian-American reinforcement said.

“We grinded (sic) it out. Whenever you grind out games like that, it really puts our guys in a situation to have an opportunity to build character. Su got his points but it was also the other guys stepping up and helping out. They found him,” said coach Luigi Trillo.

Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto had nine points each, Diego Dario eight, Aaron Black seven as the Bolts forge an early 2-0 streak heading into their East Asia Super League road game against Ryukyu in Taiwan on Nov. 15.

Meralco then takes on San Miguel Beer on Nov. 14.

Import Chris Ortiz had 29 points, Rey Suerte 10, Mike Ayonayon nine as Blackwater dropped to 1-1.

The Bossing play a Terrafirma side looking for their first win this Wednesday also at the hilltop arena.