Meralco registers second win of the conference in an "All-Filipino" battle against RoS
The Meralco Bolts defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 121-111, in their virtually All-Filipino battle on Sunday night, December 1, at the Ynares Center, in Antipolo.
Chris Newsome put up a game-high 25 points, to go along with five rebounds, an assist, and a block to suffice the absence of Meralco import Akil Mitchell, who left the game just 11 seconds off the opening period because of a broken nose after being hit inadvertently by Keith Datu's elbow.
Despite losing Mitchel early, the Bolts managed to secure their second straight victory of the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Meralco now joined Northport Batang Pier and guest team Hong Kong Eastern at the top of the standings with 2-0 slate after their physical match-up last night where 61 fouls combined were called.
Bong Quinto was named Best Player of the Game as he delivered 20 markers, shooting 50 percent from the field and nailing 10 of his 12 free throws. He also grabbed four boards.
Veterans Raymond Alamazan and Cliff Hodge registered double-double numbers. The former Letran standout produced 12 points and 16 rebounds, while Hodge got 11 markers and 11 boards.
Three more players scored in double digits for the Bolts. Jansen Rios, Norbert Torres, and Anjo Caram put up 16, 13, and 10 respectively.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine also played without an import since their reinforcement Deon Thompson is still waiting for his papers to be cleared before he can finally suit up for the Elasto Painters.
Aside from Thompson, RoS also missed the services of Gian Mamuyac, who's out indefinitely after suffering a fractured right hand in a tune-up game against NorthPort last week.
Datu led the Elasto Painters in scoring with 17 points. He also added four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks to his numbers.
Jhonard Clarito registered a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, together with two assists, two steals, and a block in a losing effort.
Other RoS players who scored in double digits were Adrian Nocum (15), Leonard Santillan (14), Caelan Tiongson (12), and Andrei Carucat (12) who also dished off a game-high eight assists.
The Elasto Painters will try to bounce back against the Hong Kong Eastern on Wednesday, December 4, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while the Bolts will be gunning for their third straight victory on Friday, December 6, also at NAS.
The Scores:
Meralco 121 - Newsome 25, Quinto 20, Rios 16, Torres 13, Almazan 12, Hodge 11, Caram 10, Black 9, Pascual 2, Jose 2, Pasaol 1, Mitchell 0.
Rain or Shine 111 - Datu 17, Nocum 15, Santillan 14, Clarito 13, Tiongson 12, Caracut 11, Lemetti 9, Belga 6, Norwood 5, Malonzo 5, Ildefonso 2, Demusis 2.
Quarter Scores: 33-25, 52-49, 89-81, 121-111.
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