Meralco rallies past Rain or Shine for first Governors’ Cup win

Meralco bounced back from an opening-day setback with a strong second-half surge, defeating Rain or Shine, 122-114, to claim its first victory in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center.

Trailing 60-54 at halftime, the Bolts exploded in the third quarter, pouring in 41 points behind the steady contributions of Jason Brickman, Chris Banchero, and CJ Cansino. The offensive burst flipped the game in Meralco's favor, turning a six-point deficit into a 95-83 advantage heading into the final period.

The victory helped the Bolts recover from their narrow loss to Phoenix in their conference opener and improve their standing in Group B.

"I thought in the last game against Phoenix, maganda rin 'yung nilaro namin. But Phoenix was also playing well, but the breaks of the game happened. For this one, credit to the boys," said Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo.

Newly returned import Antonio Hester led the balanced Meralco attack with 21 points and nine rebounds in his first game back with the franchise.

Brickman earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with 19 points and seven assists, including nine points during the game-changing third-quarter run. Banchero added 15 points, while Bong Quinto provided a spark off the bench with 14 markers.

Cansino contributed 12 points, while Chris Newsome chipped in 10 as the Bolts placed six players in double figures.

"This win is very important, every game is important. I think we have a tough group, and all the games are going to be tough to win. It's important to bounce back after a loss," Brickman said.

Meralco will try to carry the momentum into its next matchup against unbeaten Blackwater on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, slipped to 0-2 despite another impressive performance from import Aaron Fuller, who posted 28 points and 10 rebounds.

Adrian Nocum added 21 points and seven assists, while rookie Deo Cuajao delivered in his first start with 19 points. Luis Villegas also reached double figures with 10 points.

The loss marked Rain or Shine's first game since trading former team captain Gian Mamuyac to Phoenix, along with a Season 53 second-round pick, in exchange for the Fuel Masters' Season 53 first-round selection.

The Elasto Painters will have a quick opportunity to bounce back as they face Phoenix—the team that acquired Mamuyac—on Tuesday night in Antipolo.