PBA: Meralco ends slide, piles on Terrafirma’s woes

Meralco Bolts’ import Johnny O’Bryant. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco got itself on the win column behind a collective effort after beating Terrafirma, 105-92, on Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Import Johnny O’Bryant had 31 points and 11 rebounds while Bong Quinito, Allein Maliksi, Aaron Black and Chris Banchero stepped up as Meralco prevailed after starting the conference with losses to NorthPort and Barangay Ginebra.

Despite still missing Chris Newsome due to a strained calf, the Bolts were able to continue the frustrations of the Dyip, who not only fell to 0-4 but also suffered their 20th consecutive defeat dating back to the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup.

“We thought our offense was a little bit all over the place in the first half, but when there was more flow then we were able to operate on offense,” said assistant Luigi Trillo, who once again played the role of pinch hitter after coach Norman Black was placed under health and safety protocols.

Quinto scored eight of his 17 points in the fourth, helping O’Bryant on the offensive side as Meralco led by a high of 14 after 10 ties and 19 lead changes.

Maliksi and Black added 18 and 17 points, Banchero produced 12 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals and Raymond Almazan chipped in eight points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Import Lester Prosper was the lone bright spot once more for Terrafirma with 35 points, 18 rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The scores:

MERALCO 105 — O’Bryant 31, Maliksi 18, Quinto 17, Black 17, Banchero 12, Almazan 8, Hodge 2, Johnson 0, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Pascual 0, Jose 0.

TERRAFIRMA 92 — Prosper 35, Tiongson 11, Gomez de Liano 11, Camson 11, Cabagnot 10, Munzon 8, Calvo 2, Alolino 2, Gabayni 2, Cahilig 0, Javelona 0, Mina 0, Balagasay 0.

Quarters: 26-27, 55-52, 79-76, 105-92.