CJ Cansino and Marvin Jones combined for 50 points to lead the Meralco Bolts past the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 118-105, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win lifted Meralco to 3-1 while Titan Ultra dropped to 1-3.
What Happened?
Meralco roared to a strong start, building a 26-16 lead after the opening quarter behind Cansino’s hot shooting and Jones’ dominance inside. The Bolts kept their foot on the gas in the second, outscoring Titan Ultra 35-26 to take a 61-42 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter saw Meralco stretch the lead to as much as 28 points, 78-50, with Jason Brickman and Chris Newsome adding timely buckets. Titan Ultra, however, refused to fold. Rookie Bryan Sajonia sparked a furious rally in the fourth, scoring heavily to trim the deficit to single digits. But Meralco steadied themselves, converting free throws and tightening up defensively to close out the 118-105 victory.
Who Stood Out?
Cansino was brilliant, finishing with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, plus 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Jones, meanwhile, imposed his will in the paint, tallying 24 points and 14 rebounds to complement Cansino’s scoring. Jason Brickman, on the other hand, chipped in 13 points and 4 assists, and hit all six of his free throws.
Titan Ultra, for its part, seemingly found a gem in Bryan Sajonia, who bravely led the Giant Risers’ late charge by showcasing his scoring punch in the final frame. Michael Gilmore, Titan’s import, added 25 points and 16 rebounds but got little support from everyone else.
3 Keys to the Game
- Cansino–Jones tandem. The duo combined for half of Meralco’s points, setting the tone offensively and defensively. In fact, Cansino and Jones scored 17 of the Bolts’ first 19 points as they led the way to an early 19-10 lead.
- Defensive clamp. Meralco held Titan Ultra to just 37.5% shooting from the field, which would’ve been lower if not for the Giant Risers’ fourth quarter explosion—in particular, the efforts of Sajonia. The Bolts’ defense was particularly unforgiving in the first, when they held Titan Ultra to just 16 points.
- Composure late. Titan’s 40-point fourth quarter made things tense, but Meralco’s discipline—the Bolts shot 25-of-33 from the line and had only 13 turnovers—secured the win eventually even after the Giant Risers cut the deficit to single digit.
Next Up for the PBA
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Blackwater Bossing (5:00 p.m.)
San Miguel Beermen vs. Macau Black Knights (7:30 p.m.)
