The Meralco Bolts, back from their EASL stint, took on the Terrafirma Dyip to open PBA Philippine Cup action on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Both teams were in need of a win, with Meralco clinging to that eighth spot coming in, and Terrafirma hoping to keep its playoff hopes alive.
In the end, Meralco bucked a slow start and zoomed past the Dyip, 120-87, to even its record to 4-4. Terrafirma, on the other hand, dropped deeper into the cellar at 1-8.
What Happened?
Terrafirma—or, more specifically, Mark Nonoy—opened the game with nine unanswered points. But Meralco steadily got back, ultimately tying the game at 16 with under four minutes left in the first. The Bolts then went on a 39-17 run bridging the end of the first canto and the start of the second period on their way to a 59-42 halftime lead. Meralco just kept adding to the lead from that point forward, ultimately coasting to the victory.
Who Stood Out?
Chris Banchero had a modest 13 markers, but 10 of them came at the right time when Meralco was rallying from its early deficit. CJ Cansino then took over in the second half, firing most of his 20 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 1 steal. Brandon Bates, meanwhile, was a rock all game long, finishing with 7 points, 16 boards, and 3 blocks as he stood tall against Terrafirma.
Nonoy had a sensational start with his personal 9-0 run to start the game and came away with 22 total points in his return from injury. He also had 4 assists and 2 steals. Paolo Hernandez was solid as well with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
3 Keys to the Game
- Defense. The Bolts hang their hats on defense, and they were on point on Wednesday, holding Terrafirma to 39.5% from the field and 28% from deep. They also forced the Dyip to 14 errors that led to 22 points off turnovers.
- Rebounding. Meralco dominated the boards in this one, 67-36, with Bates’ 16 leading the way. The Bolts also had 23 offensive rebounds to Terrafirma’s 9, resulting in a 16-9 advantage in second chance points.
- Interior scoring. All those offensive rebounds, along with an attacking mindset, helped Meralco dominate the paint, scoring 56 interior points as opposed to the Dyip’s 38. Most everyone got in on the act as well, with CJ Cansino, Chris Newsome, and Chris Banchero all taking it strong to the basket.
Next Up for the PBA
PBA Philippine Cup action goes to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday with three of the four teams that played on Wednesday. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel takes on Terrafirma in the curtain-raiser, followed by the Phoenix Fuel Masters going up against the Meralco Bolts.
Terrafirma vs. Ginebra (5:15 p.m.)
Phoenix vs. Meralco (7:30 p.m.)
