Paul Lee of Rain or Shine tries to outsmart Chris Ross and Eric Dawson of Meralco. NUKI SABIO/PBA image
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco import Eric Dawson has yet to score 50 points twice in just a short span until Wednesday against Rain or Shine.
Dawson, who played two games for the San Antonio Spurs in 2012, shot 20-of-41 from the field and 10-of-12 at the line en route to a 50-point night with 14 rebounds, four assists and five steals to boot.
The 28-year-old Dawson though, who lit up for 57 points against Petron Blaze a few weeks back, downplayed his performance and instead credited his teammates for his scoring outburst.
“It’s a big win for us and with the points and stuff, it’s my first time to score 50 points two times in a row, It’s my teammates that’s making me better, it’s not just me, it’s my teammates,” said Dawson, who hardly looked bothered after tweaking his left knee late in overtime to lead the Bolts to a key win.
With the quarterfinals just a couple of days away, Dawson now has his sights set on defending champion San Mig Coffee for their best-of-three duel.
“They have our number this year but the playoffs is a different story. We just have to win to stay in.”
The PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals opens with the Bolts-Mixers tussle in the first game at 5:15pm before the Boosters and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters clash in the main game at 7:30pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
San Mig Coffee beat Meralco, 76-70, in their first elimination round encounter before repeating over the Bolts, 97-90, last Saturday.