MERALCO shook off a lethargic start and fired from all cylinders in the second to turn back Blackwater, 103-98, in the 2017-18 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last night.
Meralco newcomer Nino Canaleta didn’t waste anytime in showing what he can do to help the Bolts, leading his new team with a game-high 25 points.
The Bolts banked on a blistering 19-0 surge midway the third canto to break the game wide open after a shaky first half, where they trailed for most part.
Using that decisive run, Meralco carved a huge 69-54 cushion halfway the third and never looked back.
Meralco joined San Miguel, NLEX and Magnolia with 1-0 records.
Through its defense and early efficiency in offense, Blackwater was able to build a 41-29 double-digit lead with over seven minutes left in the second frame.
But Meralco countered and ended the first half strongly, tying the game at 44-all heading to the intermission.
From the third period onwards, it was all Meralco, but Blackwater threatened at the last second.
The Elite had their last hoorah and came all the way back from a huge hole to inch within just three, 95-98, with over 30 seconds left after two free throws from Raymar Jose.
However, Meralco held its ground and didn’t allow Blackwater to complete its comeback.
Canaleta ensured his team’s victory with a dagger triple with 11.3 ticks left to ice Meralco’s triumph, making it 101-95.
The Bolts led by as much as 19 points twice in the fourth before getting a late game scare.
Baser Amer added 17 points and 11 dimes for Meralco, while Jared Dillinger helped out with 15.
Jose, the No. 3 overall pick, debuted for the Elite and made a good account of himself, leading his squad with 16 markers in a losing effort.
Big men Ranidel De Ocampo (calf) and Cliff Hodge (foot) were missed by Meralco as both continued to recuperate from there respective injuries.
The scores:
MERALCO 103—Canaleta 25, Amer 17, Dillinger 15, Newsome 12, Lanete 8, Ballesteros 6, Tolomia 6, Baracael 5, Faundo 4, Hugnatan 3, Caram 2, Salva 0.
BLACKWATER 98—Jose 16, Maliksi 16, Sumang 15, Belo 13, Erram 11, Cortez 8, Digregorio 6, Javier 6, Sena 4, Pinto 3, Banal 0, Cruz 0, Marcelo 0.
Quarters: 23-27, 44-44, 66-77, 103-98.