Akil Mitchell put in a solid all-around game to lead a well-spread Meralco production as the Bolts regained their winning ways with a 105-91 victory over a skidding NLEX side, 105-91, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Friday.
Mitchell produced 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists with Bong Quinto firing 16 to lead five Meralco locals in double figures as the Bolts rebounded from a loss to the TNT Tropang Giga Tuesday and caught up with the Barangay Ginebra Kings at fifth place at 5-3.
CJ Cansino added 13, Chris Banchero and Aaron Black chipped in 11 apiece while Chris Newsome tossed in 10 for the Bolts who logged in a 2-1 record in a tough three-game grind in the PBA opening week of 2025.
The Bolts overcame a poor start and an early double-digit deficit, and sent the Road Warriors to further skid with a fourth straight loss for a 3-5 overall mark.
Even with a huge double-double game from Michael Watkins, the Road Warriors failed to sustain the momentum of a 19-9 opening salvo, thus, dropping outside of the Magic Eight.
Sponsored content: Going down the drain was Watkins' 38-point and 21-rebound explosion. Watkins also collected two blocks, two steals and one assist but committed seven turnovers.
Robert Bolick had his own double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. But he also had lapses, turning the ball over eight times.
The Bolts pounded crucial NLEX errors as they closed the game with an 8-0 run for the 14-point triumph.
The tough sked will continue for coach Luigi Trillo's troops. They're up against the NorthPort Batang Pier Tuesday also at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
NLEX will be back in action the next day, tangling with TNT at the same venue. (SB)
Sponsored content: The scores:
Meralco 105 - Mitchell 24, Quinto 16, Cansino 13, Black 11, Banchero 11, Newsome 10, Hodge 9, Bates 8, Rios 3, Almazan 0, Caram 0.
NLEX 91 - Watkins 38, Bolick 19, Ramirez 12, Policarpio 6, Mocon 5, Alas 5, Torres 3, Semerad 3, Rodger 0, Fajardo 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0, Amer 0.
Quarterscores: 29-24, 54-49, 77-70, 105-91.
