A Statement Game from Meralco
The Meralco Bolts made a powerful statement in the PBA Philippine Cup with a crushing 118-80 win over Terrafirma Dyip at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. This wire-to-wire victory not only underscored Meralco’s dominance but also marked the largest winning margin in franchise history. Coming off a narrow 91-89 escape over Converge, the Bolts clearly made adjustments—and this time, they didn’t leave anything to chance.
Balanced Offense and Breakout Performances
CJ Cansino led the charge with 19 points in just 19 minutes, showcasing his efficiency and promise. A rookie making waves early, Cansino hit four of Meralco’s five four-pointers, and added one of their 10 triples.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. The win was a collective effort, with all 15 players fielded by coach Luigi Trillo scoring at least once. Key contributions included:
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Kurt Reyson: 16 points, another rookie showing maturity beyond his years
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Bong Quinto: 13 points and 5 assists, also set the tone early with a rare four-point play followed by a three
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Brandon Bates, Jolo Mendoza, and Alvin Pasaol: 11 points each
Quinto credited the team’s strong practice habits and coaching as the driving force behind their sharp execution:
“Talagang ready naman kami every game… Lahat ng dapat naming gawin sa game, gawin na namin sa practice para masanay kami,” said Quinto.
Defensive Discipline and Third Quarter Blitz
The Bolts’ defense took center stage, especially in the third quarter, where they outscored Terrafirma 30-13. The Dyip, who had closed the gap to 13 at halftime after trailing 42-22, were completely neutralized after the break. Turnovers plagued Terrafirma, with 10 of their 19 total turnovers coming in the third period alone.
This suffocating pressure from Meralco allowed them to stretch the lead to an insurmountable 107-65 before easing off the gas in the final minutes.
Terrafirma’s Missed Opportunity
Coming off an impressive 95-87 win against Phoenix, Terrafirma seemed poised to continue their momentum. However, things quickly unraveled. Despite Mark Sangalang’s 23-point effort, their offense sputtered due to inefficiencies from key veterans:
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Stanley Pringle: 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting
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Terrence Romeo: 9 points on 4-of-10 shooting
Their inability to respond to Meralco’s intensity left them overwhelmed and outpaced from start to finish.
Shooting Efficiency and Game Stats
Meralco’s offensive rhythm was undeniable. The team shot 42-of-78 from the field, with fluid ball movement and smart shot selection. The use of four-pointers, an experimental addition to the game, added another exciting dimension to their attack—Cansino’s four makes from deep gave Meralco early momentum they never surrendered.
On the flip side, Terrafirma lacked composure, particularly under pressure. Their 19 turnovers and inconsistent shooting underlined their struggles throughout the match.
Looking Ahead: Bolts vs Beermen
Coach Luigi Trillo wisely chose to rest several starters in the fourth quarter, with one eye on their upcoming showdown with San Miguel Beer on Wednesday. The game coincides with the PBA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, making it a marquee matchup to watch.
The Bolts will carry confidence and momentum into that clash, but they’ll also know it will take another level of play to overcome the storied San Miguel squad.
Meralco Sends a Message
This was more than just a win—it was a declaration of intent from Meralco. With a fully engaged roster, crisp execution, and standout rookie performances, the Bolts are showing they can be a serious force in this conference.
The league is on notice: Meralco is here, and they mean business.
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