Here are the players who made the biggest impact on April 17 and the stats to prove it.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE DAY:
James Dickey III PHX C 27 PTS | 26 REB | 5 AST | 78.7 FPS
The big man once again showed why he’s one of the most complete players in the league. Offensively, despite struggling from the line and shooting just 7-for-14, he dominated inside the arc, converting 10-of-13 to lead the team in scoring. He was even more impressive on defense, matching his conference-high in rebounds while also racking up steals and blocks.
Cady Lalanne NLX C 34 PTS | 25 REB | 3 BLK | 71.5 FPS
Lalanne had already established himself as one of the best inside operators in the tournament, recording at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of his last seven games. But he reached another gear today, setting new conference-highs in both categories. Defensively, he also remained effective and is averaging 2.3 blocks per game, the third-best mark in the league.
Robert Upshaw BWB C 36 PTS | 9 REB | 1 STL | 46.8 FPS
Offensively, Upshaw has been one among the most consistent players in the league. He has scored at least 24 points in every game so far while also shooting 60% or better from the two-point area. But he stood out even more today, finishing with the highest scoring mark of the day after shooting 12-for-14 from two.
Kenneth James Tuffin PHX SF 20 PTS | 7 REB | 3 AST | 32.9 FPS
The forward has been a steady offensive presence in the conference, scoring in double-figures in five of his last six games while also averaging three triples. But he took it up another notch today, shooting efficiently from all ranges for his best scoring game of the tournament.
Sedrick Barefield BWB SG 27 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST | 31.4 FPS
The guard delivered from inside the arc, connecting on 8-of-14 attempts to match the second-best scoring mark of the game. Barefield continues to play at an elite level offensively, averaging 20.7 points while shooting 50% from two, 35% from three and going 29-for-34 from the line in the tournament.
Jason Perkins PHX PF 25 PTS | 4 REB | 1 AST | 28.3 FPS
Perkins has scored at least 17 points in each of his last two games but he elevated his game even further today, shooting 8-of-11 from the two-point range to finish with a new conference-high. This was also his fourth 20-point outing since the last conference.
Christopher Elijah Newsome MER SG 19 PTS | 2 3PM | 6 AST | 27.4 FPS
Newsome has hit a rough patch lately, struggling in four of his last five games. But he turned a corner today with a very efficient offensive showing. He also had similar inconsistencies in the previous conference, but he has continued to be a reliable scoring option, averaging 15.7 points across 15 games.
Louelljay Gonzales NLX PG 15 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 27.3 FPS
The rookie has become a vital part of the team’s campaign this year with his ability to contribute on both ends. He didn’t have his best night offensively, even going 0-for-3 from deep for most of the game but he delivered when it mattered the most, hitting the game-winning three-pointer.
Jason Alexander Brickman MER PG 13 PTS | 2 AST | 2 STL | 25.6 FPS
The former MPBL champion has continued to do well in his first conference in the league. Over his last six games, he’s averaging 12.3 points on 50% shooting to go along with 4.8 assists.
Javee Mocon MER SF 17 PTS | 2 3PM | 7 REB | 23.4 FPS
Both Mocon’s role and production had been limited at the start of the conference, but he’s started to trend in the right direction in recent games. He was even better today, shooting efficiently from all ranges to record his best scoring game with Meralco. He’s now averaging 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds over his last four games.
Christian Tyler Tio PHX PG 14 PTS | 2 3PM | 5 AST | 20.5 FPS
Though Tio’s production in the conference has been mild, the All-Star guard remains one of the team’s more capable contributors. He showcased that today, finishing with conference-highs in both points and assists. Throughout the Philippine Cup, he has also delivered several strong performances in those areas.
Abu Jahal Tratter BWB C 6 PTS | 9 REB | 1 STL | 19.7 FPS
Despite struggling offensively, Tratter remained impactful, matching the team-high in rebounds. The veteran center also continues to be one of the team’s more reliable contributors at his position, averaging 6.7 points and ranking third on the team with 5.0 rebounds per game.
Richard Escoto BWB PF 7 REB | 2 AST | 3 BLK | 19.4 FPS
This was the third time in four games that he posted six rebounds and his second game in his last three with at least 3 stocks.
Christopher Clark Banchero MER PG 6 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 15.5 FPS
It has been a largely underwhelming conference for Banchero, with limited scoring and overall production. Still, he remains a threat in the PRA categories, something he has shown on several occasions last conference and once again in their most recent game against Phoenix.
John Brylle Bahio NLEX C 9 PTS | 5 REB | 1 AST | 15.5 FPS
Bahio has trended upward in his last two games, averaging 12.0 points and 6.0 rebounds after failing to make a consistent impact in the early part of the conference.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY:
Christian David BWB SF 2 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST | 4.4 FPS
David’s struggles have hit a new low this conference. He was off again offensively, shooting just 1-for-5 from the field to record his worst scoring game of the conference while also finishing with more turnovers (3) than points. In his last six games, he’s averaged 6.3 points.
