MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Jared Dillinger hit the go-ahead 3-pointer from the right wing with 45.5 seconds remaining as the Meralco Bolts escaped the resilient Phoenix Fuel Masters, 90-87, in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, February 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts are now the only unbeaten team with a 4-0 record and are a win away from tying a franchise-best 5-0 start from last year's Commissioner's Cup, as they enjoy a string of successes coming off a 1-10 Philippine Cup.
"I’m really proud of my guys," head coach Norman Black said. "This is another big win for us. I hate to keep going back to last conference but it’s been a very big turnaround for us coming off a very poor conference."
All 12 players Black fielded in scored at least two points as Meralco is steadily finding its stride after putting in plenty of hardwork and dedication in between conferences, playing 8 scrimmages to build chemistry with new players.
Import Arinze Onuaku led the way with 17 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, a steal and 4 blocks. Chris Newsome posted 16 markers on 7-of-11 shooting from the field along with 3 boards and 3 dimes.
Gary David and Dillinger came off the bench with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
"I give all the credit to my players. I'm very proud of them, the fact that they worked hard through the offseason," Black said. "I'm proud that their attitudes have remained good, they remained focused. We just want to keep winning games."
The Bolts played a dangerous nip-and-tuck game with the league's newest franchise through the second half. Both sides exchanged baskets in the fourth until a Dillinger triple gave Meralco an 80-76 cushion with 6:13 to go.
Willy Wilson worked his way in the post and tied the count at 86 with over a minute on the clock before Dillinger drained the crucial trey, 89-86.
Phoenix, which slipped to 1-1, had a chance to tie the game and force overtime or win it with 11.6 ticks left – after Anjo Caram muffed two free throws – but import Kenny Adeleke fumbled a pass from RR Garcia off the pick and roll resulting to a turnover.
Newsome then split his charities on the other end to seal the deal for Meralco.
Garcia paced the Fuel Masters with 15 points and 5 assists, while Adeleke had 13 points, 21 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Mac Baracael also had 13 markers with 5 boards while Rodney Brondial had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Wilson registered 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Scores:
Meralco (90): Onuaku 17, Newsome 16, David 13, Dillinger 10, Amer 8, Hodge 8, Bono 4, Hugnatan 4, Nabong 4, Al-Hussaini 2, Caram 2, Faundo 2.
Phoenix (87): Garcia 15, Adeleke 13, Baracael 13, Brondial 12, Wilson 10, Urbiztondo 9, Lanete 8, Monfort 5, Intal 2, Pennisi 0.
Quarter scores: 19-23, 40-47, 67-67, 90-87.
– Rappler.com