Surging Meralco escapes Rain or Shine to go 3-0

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Surging after a forgettable performance last conference, the Meralco Bolts squeaked past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98-95, to go up 3-0 in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, February 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Import Arinze Onuaku had a game-high 31 points and 27 rebounds including 14 markers in the second quarter that allowed the Bolts to open a 26-point 57-31 lead before halftime.

Jared Dillinger finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while Cliff Hodge added 12 markers and 7 boards.

“We’re happy we’re 3-0,” said head coach Norman Black. “Obviously it was very difficult for us when they went all-Filipino. They started making their outside shots and we did a poor job of guarding the perimeter but at the same time a win is a win, and I’ll take it.”

Rain or Shine lost its import Wayne Chism as he injured his leg early in the third quarter when he drove to the basket. He left the arena limping and was to be taken to a hospital.

Chism, who was named Best Import in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup, played just 16 minutes and had 3 points, 4 rebounds, a steal and a block.

The Bolts, who tallied 21 assists, nearly lost after blowing the huge lead in the first half and allowed the Painters to get to within 97-95 in the waning seconds.

But JR Quiñahan, who registered 15 points, missed two 3-pointers inside the final 11.6 seconds, including a wide-open one, as Meralco escaped unscathed.

Maverick Ahanmisi had a career-high 19 points to lead Rain or Shine including 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Jericho Cruz also had 15 markers and Gabe Norwood came up with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists as the Painters fell to 1-1.

Scores:

Meralco (98): Onuaku 31, Dillinger 16, Hodge 12, Bono 9, Caram 8, David 5, Nabong 4, Newsome 4, Amer 3, Al Hussaini 2, Faundo 2, Ferriols 2.

Rain or Shine (95): Ahanmisi 19, Cruz 15, Quinahan 15, Norwood 12, Almazan 8, Chan 6, Ponferada 6, Belga 5, Chism 3, Tiu 3, Trollano 2, Matias 1, Ibanes 0, Nimes 0.

Quarter scores: 19-15, 61-36, 76-76, 98-95.