PBA: David, Lassiter power Tigers past Bolts

(Updated 7:43 pm) A retooled Meralco Bolts team still proved no match against an intact Powerade Tigers.             Drawing firepower again from main man Gary David, the Tigers displayed the same cohesion that made them the surprise team of the 37th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season, scoring a 94-82 win over the Bolts Sunday night to remain unbeaten in the Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.             David dropped 29 points while leading his team to its second straight win and a piece of the early lead in the import-laden tournament.             Marcio Lassiter added 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while import Dwayne Jones finished with 15 points for Powerade, which is now trying to put behind issues surrounding the supposed sale of its franchise to San Miguel Corp. and the aborted trade of Lassiter to Petron.             “Sabi ng acting governor namin [Ronald Asuncion] we’re here to win the championship,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol. ““We have to do that. I don’t think any tinkering of the team would do that. We’re here to stay and win the championship, and it’s a tall order.”             The Bolts came into the game with a new import in Earl Barron and a reactivated Sol Mercado from the injury list, but not even their presence was able to prevent Meralco from suffering their third loss in four outings.             Barron, who replaced Jarrid Famous, had a team-high 22 points, but only had seven in the second half when the Tigers came back to life and fought the Bolts on even terms.              The Tigers came through with a 15-2 run to turn a seven-point deficit into a 68-62 lead late in the third period.             The Bolts managed to tie the game entering the pivotal fourth, and were still ahead, 71-68, on a three-pointer by Mark Macapagal when the Tigers again unloaded a 15-2 run.             That was enough to put Powerade in front for good, 83-73, with 5:48 remaining.             Gabby Espinas and Mac Cardona led all Meralco locals with 19 and 13 points, respectively, while Mercado finished with just three points in his return from injury. - AMD, GMA News                           The scores:                                  Powerade (94) -- David 29, Lassiter 19, Jones 15, Casio 14, Anthony 9, Kramer 8, Martinez 0, Vanlandingham 0, Allera 0, Cruz 0, Adducul 0, Crisano 0.             Meralco (82) -- Barron 22, Espinas 19, Cardona 13, Borboran 9, Macapagal 6, Artadi 6, Mercado 3, Ross 2, Taulava 2, Hugnatan 0.   Quarter-scores: 20-25, 42-47, 68-68, 94-82