The Meralco Bolts banked on a barrage of triples in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter to put away the Terrafirma Dyip, 105-92, on Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioners’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts knocked down four of 10 three-point attempts halfway in the closing period and this proved enough to hand Meralco its first win following two consecutive setbacks.
The trio of import Johnny O’Bryant, Allein Maliksi and Bong Quinto took charge with O’Bryant firing a game-high 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Bolts.
Quinto had 17 points with Aaron Black, leading the Bolts’ big assault with two triples, with the first finding its mark in the remaining 11:11, allowing the Meralco to move up by six, 82-76.
O’Bryant struck with the Bolts’ second trey during their decisive attack and they went on to enjoy a nine-point spread, 89-80.
Back-to-back threes from Quinto and Allein Maliksi in the final 5:52 lifted Meralco to a 14-point edge, 96-82.
“They had a good game while facing two top teams (Ginebra and Northport). In this game, they were moving the ball and playing good defense. They attacked the pick and roll, and shared the ball,” said assistant coach Luigi Trillo.
Chris Banchero sank 12 markers, seven assists, and five boards for the Bolts.
Lester Prosper made a game-high 35 points and hauled in 18 rebounds for the Dyip, which dropped their fourth straight game this season.
It was the Dyip’s 20th straight loss in three conferences.
