Photo credit: PBA Images
Meralco Bolts (1-0) uses strong second-half to beat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painter (0-1), 105-87, spoils James Yap return and grab their first win in the opening game of the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday, January 22 at the PhilSports Arena.
Veteran PBA reinforcement KJ McDaniels led the Bolts with a huge double-double of 27 points (12/23fg, 1/5 3pts, 2/7ft) along with 23 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block in 43 minutes of play. Chris Banchero with an all-around game of 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.
Allein Maliksi finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals while Bong Quinto added 11 points and 2 rebounds. Chris Newsome had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal while Cliff Hodge scored 8 points along with 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Rey Nambatac paced the E-Painters with team-high 21 points to go with 2 rebounds and 1 assist while import Michael Qualls added 14 points on miserable 3-of-22 shooting, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and a block. James Yap, councilor in the 1st district of San Juan, returns to Rain or Shine after signing one-conference deal finished with 14 points (5/8fg, 1/3 3pts, 3/3ft), 1 rebound in 14 minutes of play.
The Scores:
MERALCO 105 - McDaniels 27, Banchero 17, Maliksi 16, Quinto 11, Newsome 10, Hodge 8, Almazan 6, Pasaol 5, Johnson 3, Jose 2, Rios 0, Pascual 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 87 – Nambatac 21, Yap 14, Qualls 14, Mamuyac 10, Asistio 10, Norwood 5, Nieto 3, Ponferada 2, Clarito 2, Belga 2, Torres 2, Demusis 2, Caracut 0, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 22-24, 54-54, 81-68, 105-87. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS] | [Buy PBA Jersey]
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