MANILA, Philippines – For the ailing Meralco Bolts, it was Reynel Hugnatan who materialized as their much-needed lifeline. 

Hugnatan played an unlikely hero for Meralco in their Game 3 win in the Governors’ Cup finals on Wednesday, October 18 as he provided the outside shooting the Bolts had been missing in the past two games, finishing with 7 triples en route to 22 points. 

The 38-year-old, who played 38 minutes in the win, was not really expected to play a lot of minutes as he averaged just 6 minutes in the first two games. 

But after starter Ranidel de Ocampo was taken out of the game early in the first quarter for a calf injury on his left leg, Meralco coach Norman Black had no choice but to field Hugnatan. Fortunately, it paid off.

“Reynel’s been basically subbing in for AD so his playing time has been limited. Not just on this series but also on the series before this. With Ranidel going out, obviously, he has to step up and take that position that Ranidel occupies. He’s been doing that for me for the last 3 years so he’s accustomed to doing it already,” Black added.

From the get-go, Hugnatan made timely contributions on offense. He hit 4 treys in the first two quarters to help Meralco keep the game close at halftime, 46-47, before firing two triples in the Bolts’ game-clinching 19-4 run.

Hugnatan finished the game with an impressive 58.3 clip from downtown after burying 7 of his 12 three-point attempts.

“He did a great job tonight spacing the floor, very similar to what he did last year in the playoffs and it just makes life a lot easier for AD (Allen Durham) when guys can make outside shots,” said Black.

Despite his superb performance, Hugnatan had little to say but admitted he was surprised with how he played.

“Of course [I’m surprised]. I know Ranidel is out so I just stepped up.” – Rappler.com