Meralco Bolts Imports KJ McDaniels. PBA . IMAGES
Meralco lost the lead late to regulation but played big in the thrilling seconds of extra time to take the lead against Blackwater, 102-98, at the PBA Commissioners Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in the City Antipolo.
Imports KJ McDaniels blocked a potential Barkley Ebona dribble before Allein Maliksi sank a three-pointer that broke the 96 deadlock, ultimately securing another tough win for the Bolts.
McDaniels had 26 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists while Maliksi added 16 as Meralco won back-to-back games after starting 1-5, all after the former came on to replace Johnny. O’Bryant is less effective.
“We raised our level of play in the last two games against him (McDaniels) even though it was very difficult. But at the same time, all the wins that we have are very important,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.
The Bolts are currently in 10th place with NLEX Road Warriors and trail behind Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and NorthPort Batang Pier, sharing seventh and eighth with a score of 4-5, and San Miguel Beermen in ninth, who have cards 3-4.
But Meralco failed to complete it in the fourth inning as Blackwater forced a five-minute extension despite being 11 behind, with Mike Ayonayon scoring at 89—all with two seconds remaining.
It was Blackwater’s fourth straight loss, dropping to 11th by a score of 3-7. Only Terrafirma has a worse record with a streak of 8 consecutive losses without a win.
Import Cameron Krutwig finished with 23 points, 19 rebounds and six assists for the slumping Bossing.
The point:
MERALCO 102 – McDaniels 26, Black 18, Banchero 17, Maliksi 16, Quinto 12, Pasaol 6, Caram 4, Pascual 3, Almazan 0, Hodge 0.
BLACKWATER 98 – Krutwig 23, Ular 15, Banal 14, Jackson 14, Ayonayon 11, Taha 8, McCarthy 7, Melton 3, Suerte 3, Dyke 0, Sena 0, Ebona 0.
Zones: 21-15, 42-41, 67-64, 89-89 (Reg), 102-98 (OT).
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