Jansen Rios, Meralco escape Terrafirma to go 3-0

A clutch triple from Jansen Rios delivered the win for Meralco as they escaped Terrafirma, 96-91, on Friday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The game was tied at 91 after Terrafirma's Vic Manuel sank his free throws with 1:08 remaining. Bolts import DJ Kennedy and Dyip reinforcement Brandon Walton-Edwards missed their attempts, before Jansen Rios made a triple with nine ticks left, which eventually became the dagger for the Meralco.

A foul from Brent Paraiso put Chris Newsome to the line where he sank his freebies and sealed the win for Meralco.

Kennedy, making his debut today for Meralco in lieu of the injured Akil Mitchell, had 32 points, while Newsome had 15 points. Raymond Almazan had a double-double outing of 15 points and 12 boards, along with two assists and two blocks, while Rios had 11 points.

Terrafirma's new import Walton-Edwards, who replaced Ryan Richards, had 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Paraiso led the locals with 20 points as the Dyip remained winless in four games.

Scores:

Meralco 96 – Kennedy 32, Newsome 15, Almazan 15, Rios 11, Caram 7, pascual 6, Quinto 4Hodge 3, Pasaol 2, Black 1, Jose 0, Torres 0.

Terrafirma 91 – Edwards 21, Paraiso 20, Manuel 13, Sangalang 10, Melecio 9, Pringle 6, Olivario 5, Catapusan 2, Nonoy 2, Ramos 2, Ferrer 1, Hernandez 0, Zaldivar 0.

Quarters: 21-20, 39-40, 69-61, 96-91.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News