Butch delivers under pressure as Bolts jolt Express

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Butch might have saved his job at least for now after leading Meralco Bolts to scintillating come-from-behind 109-98 victory Sunday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Butch refused to be outclassed by Air21 new import Wesley Witherspoon, who sizzled with 39 points in the first three quarters but wilted in the fourth.

With replacement candidate Darnell Jackson already in town, Butch saved his best for last and possibly his job firing 21 of his 40 points in the payoff period as the Bolts overhauled a 20-point deficit.

The embattled Meralco import also grabbed 31 rebounds on top of three assists, one steal and three shot blocks in a monster performance that left Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio in awe.

"That was off the charts. A 40-30 effort is unheard of. It just shows so much character of Brian Butch," Gregorio told reporters after the game.

After Air21 erected a huge 88-68 lead early in the fourth, Butch worked his butt off while Jared Dillinger delivered clutch baskets to eke out the massive come-from-behind win.

Dillinger also waxed hot with 13 of his total 20 points in the searing fourth quarter rally that had Meralco outscoring Air21, 41-12.

Witherspoon was as good as advertised carrying Air21 three fourths of the way. The debuting Air21 import wound up with 44 points on 8-of-13 shooting from outside. But he was held to just five by Meralco's constant double teaming defense in the pivotal fourth quarter.

"It's a good problem," said Gregorio on an impending decision whether to stick with Butch or replaced him with Jackson.

The standby import according to Gregorio has yet to participate in team's practices but gives different dimension with his inside game.

"Give me a few hours to decide. We will discuss it with the management. But what Butch did was just incredible. I'm running out of superlatives," said the boyish-looking Meralco coach.

The Bolts improved to 3-2 while the Express fell to 2-3 win-loss card.