PBA: Meralco spoils Ato Agustin's return as Ginebra coach

Meralco import Josh Davis debuts with 25 points and 24 rebounds to lead the Bolts to an 85-74 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the first day of the 2015 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Davis outdueled Gin Kings counterpart Michael Dunigan as the Bolts spoiled the return of Ato Agustin as Ginebra coach taking over for Jeffrey Cariaso.

The Bolts, who also drew 21 points from Gary David, trailed early before coming on strong in the second period to erect a 43-34 halftime lead.

Ginebra came within striking distance, trailing by just three points midway through the third quarter. But David caught fire for Meralco, which led by as much as 18 points, 61-43, late in the quarter.

Meralco nursed a 64-50 advantage heading into the final period, when it shot down repeated uprisings from Ginebra to cruise to the win.

Seven-foot center Greg Slaughter led Ginebra with 23 points. Dunigan, who previously saw action for the Air 21 Express, had 17 points. — JST, GMA News

The scores:

MERALCO 85 - Davis 25, David 21, Cortez 12, Hodge 6, Wilson 6, Ferriols 4, Hugnatan 4, Atkins 3, Anthony 2, Sena 2, Reyes 0, Ildefonso 0, Reyes 0, Buenafe 0, Macapagal 0.

GINEBRA 74 - Slaughter 23, Dunigan 17, Baracael 11, Urbiztondo 6, Caguioa 6, Tenorio 3, Monfort 3, Helterbrand 3, Ellis 2, Mamaril 0, Yeo 0, Reyes 0, Aguilar 0, Ababou 0, Brondial 0.

Quarters: 18-23, 43-34, 64-50, 85-74