MANILA, Philippines – Meralco bucked the absence of its best local and its head coach to clobber Terrafirma, 105-92, for its breakthrough win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, October 7.

Import Johnny O’Bryant showed the way with 31 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals as the Bolts dealt the Dyip their 20th consecutive defeat despite missing Chris Newsome and coach Norman Black.

Newsome sat out his second straight game due to a calf injury, while Black got sidelined due to health and safety protocols.

O’Bryant conspired with Allein Maliksi and Bong Quinto in a 17-6 run to open the fourth quarter that gave Meralco a commanding 96-82 lead on the way to its first victory after a 0-2 start.

The former NBA player scattered 6 points during that stretch, Quinto knocked down a pair of triples, and Maliksi added 5 points as Terrafirma crumbled after staying within shouting distance in the first three quarters.

Maliksi fired 18 points on top of 6 rebounds and 2 steals, while Quinto provided spark off the bench with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Aaron Black also delivered for the Bolts with 17 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Dyip import Lester Prosper once again saw his stellar performance of 35 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 blocks go for naught as Terrafirma remained at the bottom with a 0-4 record.

Juami Tiongson, Javi Gomez de Liaño, and Eric Camson had 11 points each in the loss.

The Scores

Meralco 105 – O’Bryant 31, Maliksi 18, Quinto 17, Black 17, Banchero 12, Almazan 8, Hodge 2, Johnson 0, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Pascual 0, Jose 0.

Terrafirma 92 – Prosper 35, Tiongson 11, Gomez de Liano 11, Camson 11, Cabagnot 10, Munzon 8, Calvo 2, Alolino 2, Gabayni 2, Cahilig 0, Javelona 0, Mina 0, Balagasay 0.

Quarters: 26-27, 55-52, 79-76, 105-92.

– Rappler.com