The Meralco Bolts rode on a sizzling third-quarter performance to romp off with a 122-114 bounceback win over Rain or Shine in Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup last 18 July at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
Jason Brickman presided over that game-changing 41-23 exchange after the halftime break, rifling in nine as the Bolts wrested control, 95-83, after trailing by as many as 11 in the first 24 minutes of action.
Brickman finished with 19 points that went with seven assists in a Player of the Game-winning performance that helped Meralco quickly get on the board after absorbing a 97-98 heartbreaker while playing all-Filipino against Phoenix in its conference opener.
"This win is very important, every game is important. I think we have a tough group and all the games are going to be tough to win so (it’s) important to bounce back after a loss," said Brickman.
Antonio Hester, answering the Bolts’ call with their original import Jordon Varnado out on injury, had a solid 21-9 production in his maiden appearance for the squad.
"Hulog siya ng langit. It’s nice to have a quality guy like Hester while JV is injured," said coach Luigi Trillo of Hester, who previously played for Terrafirma and Magnolia.
"He knows the league, he knows the other import (Aaron Fuller) having played against him in Indonesia. He’s heaven-sent. He’s got good rapport with the guys, plays bigger than his size."
The Bolts also drew heads-up plays from Chris Banchero (15), Bong Quinto (14), CJ Cansino (12) and Chris Newsome (10).
Fuller’s 28-10, Adrian Nocum’s 21 and Vince Cuajao’s season-high 19 went down the drain as the Elasto Painters, playing for the first time since trading Gian Mamuyac to Phoenix, lost back-to-back games in the initial salvo of the conference.
They are now on their first 0-2 start since the Season 48 Philippine Cup.
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