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MANILA, Philippines – More trouble for the defending champions.
The Meralco Bolts handed last season’s Commissioner’s Cup champions Alaska Aces their second loss behind the solid performance of American import Brian Butch.
The 29-year old center went all across the board and posted 27 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks to help the Bolts to an 85-76 victory on Wednesday, March 12 in the PLDT myDSL Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
His explosive and balanced performance came at a perfect time with the Bolts playing sans two of their starters in Mike Cortez and Jared Dillinger. Cortez was out due to a knee injury while Dillinger had bacterial infection.
Alaska was off to a poor start, scoring only 12 points in the first. Even as they tried to fight back against Meralco’s defense, they could only muster 22 points at most in the payoff period.
The defense-oriented game forced Alaska to 14 miscues, which Meralco promptly pounced on for 17 points.
The Bolts’ moved the ball better compared to their first outing where they dished out only 8 assists, resulting to a blowout loss at the hands of the San Miguel Beermen.
In this game, however, Meralco made sure to pass the leather with 19 assists.
Alaska came knocking on Meralco’s door with over 3 minutes left to play as comebacking import Rob Dozier scored two of his 17 points to make it 78-72.
But a split by Butch from the line followed by a Gary David basket and a deflating Anjo Caram triple pushed Meralco farther from Alaska’s reach, 84-72.
Reynel Hugnatan contributed 14 points while David and Cliff Hodge added 12 apiece.
JVee Casio led the way for the Aces with 19 points.
Scores:
Meralco 85: Butch 27, Hugnatan 14, David 12, Hodge 12,Caram 7, Mandani 5, Ildefonso 4, Guevarra 2, Wilson 2, Al-hussaini 0.
Alaska 76: Casio 19, Dozier 17, Baguio 12, Thoss 10, Manuel 6, Jazul 4, Espinas 3, Reyes 2, Abueva 2, Dela Cruz 1, Hontiveros 0.
Quarters: 20-12; 37-33; 61-54; 85-76. – Rappler.com
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