Meralco Bolts vs Petron Blaze Boosters

MANILA, Philippines -- Reigning champion Petron Blaze, utilizing well its retooled lineup, made it two in a row in the PBA Governors Cup with a 101-88 win over Meralco at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo tonight.

Making good use of their deep lineup, the Boosters overpowered the Bolts for their second straight win following a 97-83 subduing of the Powerade Tigers Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jay Washington got into the groove in only his second game after a long bout with an injury, igniting Petron’s breakaway from a 52-all count in the third quarter.

Washington fired away 12 points in the third period and finished with 19 markers, nine rebounds, three steals and one assist in 25 minutes of action.

Edward Basden, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos and Denok Miranda also came through with huge numbers, and the resurgent Petron squad proved too much for Meralco.

The Boosters are really determined to get going in the tourney after missing the playoffs in the last conference.

“Things seem to be falling into place, and we’re happy we’re winning,” said Petron coach Ato Agustin.

“We’re practicing hard and we’re playing hard, believing it’s the right formula to win games. The tournament has a ‘carry-over’ format and so every game counts. We have to win as many games we can,” Agustin added.

In this particular game, Agustin was elated on the performance dished out by Washington.

“Jay-wash has got his rhythm now. His timing is back,” said Agustin of the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am forward, a big key as the Boosters cut loose from a tight game early on marked by 11 deadlocks and nine lead changes.

Washington rifled in a three-pointer and jammed in an alley-oop pass by Cabagnot to highlight his 7-of-10 field shooting.

Basden top scored with 24 points and also logged 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks while Cabagnot, Santos and Miranda added at least 11 points each.

Champ Oguchi also made 24 points while Asi Taulava and Sol Mercado chipped in 19 and 17, respectively.

The Bolts could have made the game close if not for eight missed free throws in the fourth quarter. They wound up with a poor 17-of-30 shooting from the line.