The Meralco Bolts came up with a huge win to keep their playoffs hopes alive.
McDaniels, Bolts Overcome Nicholson's Big Game
The Meralco Bolts desperately needed a win, and they got one against a big fish. Behind a balanced effort on both ends of the floor, Meralco was able to hack out a thrilling 92-89 victory over the Bay Area Dragons. Returning import K.J. McDaniels led the Bolts’ charge, as he finished with 31 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. McDaniels actually struggled shooting the ball (11-of-33 shooting) but he was instrumental in the clutch, joining forces with the likes of Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan to produce some timely plays on both offense and defense.
Bay Area import Andrew Nicholson dominated with a 50-point outing, but the Bolts’ defense came up with crucial stops in the closing minutes. Kobey Lam also chipped 23 markers and nine boards for the Dragons.
Bay Area falls to a 6-2 record, while Meralco improves to a 2-5 slate.
Taylor Jr. Lifts Elasto Painters to Fourth Win
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters leaned on their import’s heroics to escape the NorthPort Batang Pier, 76-75. Taylor hauled a double-double performance of 20 points and 16 rebounds and came up with the big plays down the stretch.
Taylor scored two consecutive buckets to give the Elasto Painters a one-point lead, then rejected NorthPort guard Roi Sumang on the other end. It was a grind-it-out contest that saw a low-scoring affair. Anton Asistio (12 points) and Leonard Santillan (10) are the other double-digit scorers for Rain or Shine.
Robert Bolick had 18 markers for NorthPort, while Will Navarro contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. NorthPort (3-5) will face the NLEX Road Warriors next, while Rain or Shine (4-4) will match up with Bay Area in their upcoming assignment.
