Meralco bench does most damage as reigning champ strings back-to-back wins in PBA PH Cup

CJ Cansino made his way out of the Ninoy Aquino Stadium wearing a smile as he greeted the members of the press Sunday, April 6. 

 Just minutes ago, Cansino led Meralco’s bench mob in the reigning titlist's 118-80 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.

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 The former University of the Philippines cager fired three four-pointers to finish with 19 points he laced with four rebounds, an assist, two steals and a block for the Bolts, who now hold a 2-0 record. 

Second-string guard Kurt Reyson also wound up with 16 points, while Alvin Pasaol, Brandon Bates and Jolo Mendoza chipped in 11 points apiece as Meralco recorded their biggest winning margin in franchise history.

 In all, the Bolts had 89 bench points, a testament to the defending champion’s depth despite injuries to key players Allein Maliksi and Chris Banchero.

 Behind Bong Quinto, who finished with 13 points, three rebounds and five assists, Meralco raced off to an electrifying 30-16 start before pouncing on the Dyip in the third period, where they dropped 30 big points.

 The Bolts never looked back.

 “Talagang ready kami every game namin, especially sa practice. Sila coach Luigi (Trillo), coach Nenad (Vucinic), pinu-push nila kaming lahat ng dapat namin gawin sa game at sa practice para masanay kami,” said Quinto during the post-game presser.

 “Kaya siguro lahat ng players na ginamit ay ready maglaro. Lalo ang mga bago namin: sina CJ, Kurt, Alvin, Brandon. Actually, lahat ng ginamit na players ngayon, talagang nag-contribute.”

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 Meanwhile, Louie Sangalang paced the Dyip with 23 points, seven rebounds, an assist and a block.

 Aljun Melecio and Stanley Pringle added 11 points each and combined for seven rebounds for the Dyip, who faltered after a triumphant opener against Phoenix.

Meralco vs Terrafirma Scores

 MERALCO 118 – Cansino 19, Reyson 16, Quinto 13, Pasaol 11, Bates 11, Mendoza 11, Caram 9, Hodge 7, Torres 5, Almazan 4, Jose 4, Rios 3, Black 2, Newsome 2, Pascual 1.

 TERRAFIRMA 80 – Sangalang 23, Melecio 11, Pringle 11, Nonoy 10, Romeo 9, Catapusan 7, Ramos 6, Zaldivar 3, Hernandez 0, Hanapi 0, Paraiso.

 Quarterscores: 30-16, 56-43, 86-56, 118-80.