MANILA, Philippines — Meralco took control of the game behind a strong third quarter assault to beat Rain or Shine, 122-114 to chalk up its first win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Antonio Hester marked his PBA return by scoring 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a near double-double effort to lead the Bolts to their first victory.
Meralco dropped a narrow 98-97 decision to Phoenix after playing all-Filipino with Jordon Varnado out due to a calf injury.
The wards of coach Luigi Trillo outscored the Elasto Painters, 41-23 in a pivotal third quarter exchange to take control of the game.
The 36-year-old Hester did not disappoint as he brought in the inside game for the Bolts, playing beautiful music with guards Jason Brickman, Chris Banchero and Bong Quinto who all scored in double figures.
Brickman scored 19 points, spiked by three triples, along with seven assists. Banchero added 15, making all three of his four-point shots, while Quinto added 14.
CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome also broke into double figures in scoring with 12 and 10.
Aaron Fuller led ROS with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Adrian Nocum chipped in 21.
The Elasto Painters, who opened the conference with a 131-108 beating from the Blackwater Bossing, dropped to 0-2.
