Bolts shock Aces with zapping defense
Meralco was rewarded for not giving up when all seemed lost.
The Bolts inflicted more misery on Alaska and arrested their own skid with a come-from-behind 83-71 victory over the Aces Saturday night in a PBA Philippine Cup road game presented by Phoenix Fuel at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center.
After watching their rally against San Miguel Beer fall short Wednesday night, the Bolts made sure that they completed this one by throwing a defensive blanket on the Aces, who seemed poise to snap their losing streak when they took a 17-point lead midway in the third period.
Meralco held Alaska scoreless for a five-minute stretch in the fourth period, while Chris Ross, Chris Pacana, Beau Belga and Asi Taulava hit baskets in a 13-0 run that gave the Bolts a 77-67 lead heading into the final three minutes.
Ross finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Bolts, who moved out of the cellar by improving to 3-5 despite missing injured leading scorer Mac Cardona for the second straight game.
Thiele, acquired from Barako Bull in exchange for Dennis Daa and a future second-round pick last Wednesday, had 11 points, including five in the Bolts’ fightback in the third period.
Taulava had 12 points, his last basket with 3.3 seconds remaining completing the 29-point turnaround for the Bolts in the last 18 minutes.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer looks to solidify its hold of top spot as it clashes with Rain or Shine Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Beermen seeking to extend their winning streak to six and keep coach Ato Agustin unbeaten since taking over two games into the conference.
Talk ‘N Text tries to regain its winning form against Barako Bull in the main game at 6:30 p.m. The Tropang Texters blew a chance to catch up with the Beermen on top after bowing to an inspired Derby Ace squad, 104-97, Friday night.
But they are favored to roll past a Barako Bull squad which has struggled to find a go-to-guy this season. Cedelf P. Tupas
The scores:
MERALCO 83—Ross 16, Espinas 14, Taulava 12, Thiele 11, Belga 10, Omolon 9, Menor 6, Pacana 5, Aljamal 0, Aquino 0, Arao 0.
ALASKA 71—De Vance 21, Thoss 12, Baguio 10, Tenorio 7, Dela Cruz 6, Eman 4, Hugnatan 4, Custodio 4, Borboran 2, Espiritu 1.
Quarters: 13-12, 27-35, 61-62, 83-71
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