PBA: Meralco dominates Columbian for first win in Commissioner's Cup

Meralco won its first game of the conference after defeating Columbian, 101-92, last May 24 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts bounced back for their initial PBA Commissioner’s Cup victory after losing to Blackwater in overtime, 94-91.

Gani Lawal had 25 points and 27 rebounds to lead Meralco to the win. But he was not alone in contributing for the Bolts with Baser Amer finishing with 21 points and hitting 5 of his 7 three-point shots.

Trevis Jackson also came up with a huge outing with 17 points to also help the Bolts go 1-1 at the beginning of the conference.

“It’s always good to get that first win under your belt. We lost a really tough game last time out in overtime. We even had a chance to win it in regulation, but we couldn’t make the shot. Today we played a lot better offensively and defensively. I think our team worked on offense, particularly with Gani not really dominating the offense this time,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

The scores:
MERALCO 101 – Lawal 25, Amer 21, Jackson 17, Newsome 12, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 5, Tolomia 4, Pinto 3, Salva 2, De Ocampo 2, Faundo 0, Caram 0, Quinto 0, Jamito 0.

COLUMBIAN 92 – Barone 26, Perez 22, McCarthy 13, Corpuz 11, Cahilig 11, Khobuntin 3, Agovida 3, Reyes 2, Calvo 1, Celda 0, Escoto 0, Tabi 0, Camson 0, Faundo 0.

Quarterscores: 23-18, 50-35, 79-71, 101-92.