KJ McDaniels stars in PBA return as Meralco deals Bay Area its second loss

KJ McDaniels was solid in his debut for Meralco, towing the Bolts to a 92-89 victory over guest team Bay Area in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday.

McDaniels, who previously had a tour of duty with NLEX, starred for Meralco with 31 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks as the Bolts dealt the Dragons their second loss of the season.

Raymond Almazan made his presence felt inside with a double-double outing of 14 markers and 16 boards while Allein Maliksi dropped 13 as Meralco improved to 2-5.

Bay Area, meanwhile, dropped to the second spot behind Magnolia with a 6-2 slate.

The loss saw Andrew Nicholson's 50-point outburst go for naught as the reinforcement also grabbed 12 rebounds and three dimes in the defeat.

This is Bay Area's second defeat in the tournament after also falling to Barangay Ginebra last October 9, 111-93.

—JMB, GMA News