Meralco spoils Guiao’s birthday with win over NLEX

MANILA, Philippines – Five players finished in double figures and the Meralco Bolts spoiled coach Yeng Guiao’s birthday with a 91-84 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, March 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jared Dillinger paced the now 2-0 Bolts with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and two steals. Import Alex Stepheson scored 18 markers, pulled down 24 rebounds, and collected 3 blocks.

Chris Newsome was 6-of-11 from the field for 15 points while Reynel Hugnatan and Baser Amer conpsired for 25 points.

The Bolts led by as many as 17 points.

NLEX, still seeking its first win after two games so far, failed to deliver the perfect birthday present for fiery mentor Guiao, who turned 58 years old today.

Returning reinforcement Wayne Chism topscored for the Road Warriors with 18 points and 17 rebounds, though his offense proved inefficient as he went 8-of-24 from the field and only two-of-two from the stripe.

Garvo Lanete was the only other NLEX player who provided ample support with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting.

Scores:

Meralco (91): Dillinger 21, Stepheson 18, Newsome 15, Hugnatan 13, Amer 12, Chua 6, Caram 3, Uyloan 2, Hodge 2, Faundo 0, Daquioag 0.

NLEX (84): Chism 18, Lanete 14, Alas 8, Guinto 7, Lastimosa 6, Tiongson 6, Khobuntin 5, Monfort 5, Camson 5, Taulava 2, Rios 2, Anthony 2, Soyud 2, Baracael 2, J. Villanueva 0.

Quarter scores: 26-19, 40-45, 69-67, 91-84.

– Rappler.com