MERALCO improved its play per quarter before it eventually send Columbian Dyip crashing back to earth with a systematic 116-103 beatdown to start on the right foot in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Returning import Arinze Onuaku reintroduced himself right away, getting right down to work with a masterful showing of a game-high 30 points and 19 rebounds on top of six assists to lead his Bolts.
Chris Newsome flirted with a triple-double, tallying 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to provide needed support for Meralco.
The debuting Bolts summoned their power in the closing moments of the third period to finally take the driver’s seat for good. They ended the quarter with an 8-2 run following a 77-all deadlock to hold an 85-79 lead into the payoff period.
Meralco’s run didn’t stop there as it kept Columbian at bay from that point forward to snatch the victory for a positive debut following a disappointing run in the Philippine Cup.
Along the way, the Bolts eventually established a double-digit lead after a thunderous slam by Onuaku with 5:18 left that gave them a 103-90 cushion.
Apparently, Onuaku spent a couple of days in the hospital for being under the weather leading up to the game.
“To play like this is a blessing after being in the hospital for four days. We got the needed stops on defense and protected the ball better in the second half that’s why we we’re able to take advantage,” said Onuaku of his first game back.
While the win gave Meralco a 1-0 start, the Dyip fell to 1-1.
CJ Aiken bounced back from a forgettable offensive showing in his first game by leading Columbian with 21 points and 18 rebounds for his own double-double.
However, Jerramy King, who scored 30 in the Dyip’s previous win, suddenly disappeared, managing only 12 points on only 28-percent shooting.
Still riding the momentum from its impressive opening-day win, Columbian started out strong to take a 31-25 lead after the opening salvo.
The Bolts though fought back in the second frame, trimming their deficit to only a single point, 56-57, and making it anyone’s game heading the second half.
Meanwhile, Blackwater (0-1) is currently trying to bounce back as it is facing another debuting team in Phoenix as of this report.
The scores:
MERALCO 116—Onuaku 30, Newsome 18, Salva 13, Canaleta 12, Dillinger 11, Hodge 8, Amer 7, Hugnatan 7, Caram 4, Sedurifa 4, Tolomia 2, Ballesteros 0.
COLUMBIAN DYIP 103—Aiken 21, Lastimosa 16, McCarthy 16, Camson 15, Celda 14, King 12, Tubid 4, Khobuntin 2, Cahilig 2, Corpuz 1, Ababou 0, Escoto 0, Sara 0.
Quarters: 25-31, 56-57, 85-79, 116-103.