Meralco thwarts Rain or Shine to stay undefeated

MANILA, Philippines – Guard Baser Amer again shined bright with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists as the Meralco Bolts maintained their unblemished record in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, March 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bolts, now 4-0 atop the standings and again soaring during an import-laden conference, overcame the previously undefeated Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 89-83.

“Special mention to Baser Amer who is playing spectacular basketball,” said head coach Norman Black. “He deserves a lot of credit as to how he is handling the team. After 4 conferences, he is maturing as a basketball player.”

Import Alex Stephenson had a team-high 21 points with 15 rebounds, while Cliff Hodge chipped in 12 markers and 8 boards off the bench.

Meralco led by as many as 13 points, banking on its usual stingy defense to take away Rain or Shine’s outside shooting and holding them to just 4-of-32 from long range. The Bolts were a paltry two-of-13.

“From my perspective, another good defensive outing for us. We limited Rain or Shine to below 90 points and that’s good for us. We know they score a lot of points,” Black noted.

Shawn Taggart, meanwhile, carried the offensive load for the Painters with 27 points and 13 rebounds. Jericho Cruz and Gabe Norwood helped him out with 12 and 9 points, respectively, off the bench.

Rain or Shine slipped to a 3-1 record.

Scores: 

Meralco (89): Stepheson 21, Amer 17, Hodge 12, Dillinger 9, Nabong 8, Newsome 7, Daquioag 6, Caram 6, Hugnatan 3, Chua 0, Faundo 0, Uyloan 0.

Rain or Shine (83): Taggart 27, Cruz 12, Norwood 9, Almazan 8, Chan 7, Ahanmisi 6, Yap 6, Belga 5, Washington 3, Tiu 0, Tolomia 0, Ponferada 0, Trollano 0.

Quarter scores: 17-13, 45-34, 64-59, 89-83.

– Rappler.com