Meralco took advantage of the absence of Bol Bol who got injured towards the tailend of the first quarter as the Bolts beat TNT, 87-76 to tie their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series at 1-1 on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 7-foot-3 Bol sustained what team physiotherapist Dexter Aseron initially assessed as partial left Achilles tear in a non-contact sequence that saw play come to a halt with 2:38 left in the opening quarter.
The six-year NBA veteran grimaced in pain and was carried by TNT teammates Mike Nieto, Kevin Ferrer, and Kim Aurin to the dugout.
Bol would later be brought to the hospital to undergo tests.
The TNT import had 10 points and six rebounds before the injury happened.
Meralco saw Bol’s absence as the key opening as the Bolts easily chipped away the early 12-point deficit as they went on to control the next three quarters en route to stealing Game 2.
Game 3 is set this Sunday at the same venue with Bol potentially out for the remainder of the semifinal series.
Chris Newsome led the Bolts with 24 points and import Marvin Jones added 16 points and 13 boards.
Javee Mocon also scored 16 points while Cliff Hodge added 12 points and 10 boards.
Roger Pogoy led TNT with 29 points while Calvin Oftana chipped in 22 points.
