By REYNALD MAGALLON
Meralco put up a defensive masterclass and stifled Barangay Ginebra, 91-73, to snap a two-game slide in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 15.
The Bolts led from start to finish all thanks to the combination of their hot shooting and suffocating defense that held the Kings, who were coming off a two game win streak with an average of 107.5 points, to their lowest output this season.
While Meralco’s defense got the job done, Allein Maliksi carried the offensive load for the Bolts, firing away 25 points built on four triples while Chris Newsome amply supported him with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Much of the highlight, however, went to the Bolts impenetrable defense who held the Kings to a measly 27 points in the first half – an output that is on a normal day, easily a one quarter score for the very talented Ginebra squad.
Perhaps, the absence of Scottie Thompson contributed to the Kings collapse as they struggled to find the point of attack against the Bolts defense.
Even the team’s leading scorer in the first two games in Jamie Malonzo, who was averaging 24.5 points heading into the contest was limited to just four points on a miserable 2-of-10 clip.
Meantime, San Miguel wasted no time flexing its might and essayed a rousing 109-97 debut over Rain or Shine to begin its quest for back-to-back title.
The Beermen hardly looked like a team that was coming off a sweet vacation after reigning supreme in the Commissioner’s Cup, playing like a well-oiled machine en route to the dominant first win that also sent the Elasto Painters reeling to their fourth straight defeat.
Marcio Lassiter set the tone for the romp, unloading 12 of his 17 points in the first half before the rest of the mighty Beermen followed suit and helped establish a huge advantage that went to as high as 20 points.
Lassiter was on target from deep with five triples while it was Jericho Cruz who led the way in scoring with 20 points. Don Trollano chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds while June Mar Fajardo posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Terrence Romeo announced his return from injury with 13 points and six assists.
