CJ Cansino is cherishing the new responsibilities he’s having with the Meralco Bolts.
Playing a defensive game and closing out a tight contest on a winning note were some of them as the Bolts went on to stop the Magnolia Hotshots, 78-76, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal.
“I did not have this role before. Whoever’s hot and can score in my previous team gets that responsibility. Saktuhan din ang laro sa opensa,” said Cansino after the Bolts posted their third win in five games in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Cansino, now on his second year in the league, yielded career-highs of 23 points and four blocks, to go with six rebounds.
It was his jumper with 31.2 seconds to go, which got the Bolts ahead, 73-72,
Cansino then knocked in two freebies for a 75-72 lead with 18.8 seconds left.
Coach Luigi Trillo said Cansino has been working hard on Cansino’s improvements before the season started.
“He’s put in the work in the off-season. He lost some weight. You can see the stats,” added Trillo.
Cansino’s big games come as the Bolts played their third game this week.
“It’s our third game in five days, so we had to gut this one out,” said Trillo
The Bolts have stretched their winning streak to three games following a 0-2 start.
“Really, just a grind-out win. It wasn’t easy,” said Trillo.
