PBA: Meralco's new import leads Bolts past Rain or Shine, sends Elasto Painters to 0-2

Meralco bounced back from a heartbreaking conference-opening loss with a 122-114 victory over Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Bolts, who sustained a 98-97 defeat at the hands of Phoenix last Wednesday, got a solid collective effort from new import Antonio Hester and locals Jason Brickman, Chris Banchero, Bong Quinto, CJ Cansino, and Chris Newsome.

Hester, who came in as temporary replacement for original import Jordon Varnado, dropped 21 points, nine rebounds, and two assists while Brickman erupted for a season-high of 19 markers together with three boards, seven dimes, and three steals as the Bolts improved to 1-1.

The Elasto Painters, playing their first game since trading Gian Mamuyac to Phoenix, dropped to a 0-2 start for the first time since the Season 48 Philippine Cup.

"I thought the last game against Phoenix ay maganda rin nilaro namin but Phoenix was also playing well. But this one, credit to the boys. We had about eight guys in double figures," Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo said

"We thought Rain or Shine was really playing well. They shot the ball well in the first half. But with this guy (Brickman), I thought in this game, he always makes the right decision. This game he's really playing at a high level."

Meralco started creating some separation when the Bolts unloaded 41 points in the third period capped by a four-point shot from Banchero for a 95-83 lead heading to the fourth.

Caelan Tiongson and Luis Villegas opened the payoff period with a triple each but those were quickly countered by the Bolts with Javee Mocon hitting a triple of his own and Quinto completing a three-point play to give Meralco a 112-99 cushion.

Quinto then buried a three-pointer from the left corner to halt Rain or Shine's momentum and send the Bolts to a 120-109 lead with two minutes left to play.

The injury-riddled Elasto Painters still tried to make a desperate comeback attempt behind Adrian Nocum and Aaron Fuller, but the Bolts took care of their lead the rest of the way to add to the woes of Rain or Shine.

Aside from Hester and Brickman, Meralco also drew offense from Banchero, who chipped in 15 points, as Quinto and Cansino churned out 14 and 12 markers apiece.

Rain or Shine, who has four players on the injury list, was led by Fuller, who poured in 28 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists in the loss. Deo Cuajao was also among the bright spots as the rookie exploded for 19 markers.

Scores:

Meralco 122 – Hester 21, Brickman 19, Banchero 15, Quinto 14, Cansino 12, Newsome 10, Bates 9, Mocon 6, Maliksi 6, Hodge 6, Black 4.

Rain or Shine 114 – Fuller 28, Nocum 21, Cuajao 19, Villegas 10, Tiongson 9, Clarito 8, Manaytay 6, Asistio 5, Caracut 4, Malonzo 4, David 0.

Quarters: 32-34, 54-60, 95-83, 122-114.

—JKC, GMA News