KJ Mcdaniels and Allein Maliksi offered a giant carry for Meralco because the Bolts spoiled James Yap’s much-awaited return by pulling off a convincing 105-87 win over Rain or Shine to kick off the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday on the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Meralco, which was not in a position to make it to the playoffs of the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup, opened its marketing campaign with a 1-0 begin whereas Rain or Shine dropped to an early 0-1 slate.
Yap began scorching for the Elasto Painters, drilling 12 factors early off the bench, together with a troublesome three-pointer that tied the ball sport at 54 on the halftime mark.
But he solely had two factors after that to complete with 14 because the Bolts lit it up within the third interval after outscoring Rain or Shine, 27 to 14.
That lead even ballooned to 21, 103-82, on an emphatic dunk from Mcdaniels. The Elasto Painters wouldn’t be capable of recuperate.
Mcdaniels poured in 27 factors, 23 rebounds, three assists, and one block whereas Allein Maliksi scored 10 of his 16 markers within the Bolts’ dominant second half.
Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome, in the meantime, chimed in with 17 factors and 10 factors from the backcourt. Cliff Hodge additionally put up eight factors and 13 boards.
Rey Nambatac, who stored the offense going for Rain or Shine within the second half, completed with 21 factors and two rebounds whereas Anton Asistio and Gian Mamuyac had 10 every.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
