Win vs RoS bolts Meralco to solo lead

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco sustained its breakthrough run under coach Norman Black, matching the franchise’s longest streak of four straight wins as the Bolts turned back the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 92-87, and wrest the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Josh Davis, Sean Anthony and Mike Cortez anchored their fiery finish, battering the Elasto Painters, 30-14, in the fourth quarter and propelling the Bolts to the solo lead with a 4-0 card following victories over Barangay Ginebra (85-74), Kia (90-80) and Talk n Text (91-83).

“It’s a good start for us,” said Black after handing the team its first four-game streak since making the same run in the 2010-11 Philippine Cup.

“In the first half, we had a difficult time with their post offense and in guarding Rick Jackson. In the second half, we made adjustments defensively, and it made the difference for us,” said Black of their come-from-behind win over the E-Painters.

The E-Painters took control majority of the way, leading by as many as 13 points, 76-63, early in the fourth. But they slowed down, enabling the Bolts to mount their own fightback they sustained till the end to pound out the win to move out of a tie with erstwhile co-leaders the Purefoods Star Hotshots and the Barako Bull Energy.

The Hotshots try to regain a share of the lead with the Bolts as they take on the NLEX Road Warriors tonight in a game where they finally field in new import Daniel Orton.

San Miguel Beer and Blackwater face off in the 4:15 p.m. curtain-raiser also at the Big Dome.

Purefoods coach Tim Cone said Orton has blended well with the team as they try to keep a perfect slate following earlier wins over Globalport, Alaska Milk and Blackwater.

Marqus Blakely, a one-time PBA Best Import awardee in the Governors Cup, did a sterling job as a stand-in import, averaging 22 points, 14.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.6 blocks against 2.6 errors.

Davis continued to carry the load for Meralco, churning out 31 points and 14 rebounds as the Bolts dealt the E-Painters a second loss in four games.

“Davis is a good player. Even in the States, he’s got a reputation as a good rebounder and defender. He’s not exactly a go-to guy but he can score in attacking the basket,” said Black of his prized catch.

“(Mike) Dunigan is also good but it didn’t work out. But I have no complaint with Davis,” Black also said, stressing he didn’t regret losing Dunigan to Barangay Ginebra.

Davis outscored the whole RoS team, 15-14, in the final canto. He tossed in 11 in a rip-roaring 23-4 run that had the Bolts wiping out a 13-point deficit and storming ahead at 85-80.

The E-Painters drew even at 87-all with 2:14 left, but never scored a single basket again to yield the game.

Globalport caught up with Rain or Shine at fifth place at 2-2 as the Batang Pier blasted a badly crippled Alaska Milk squad, 95-73, in the second game.

In what could well be his farewell game with Globalport, CJ Leslie came up with 30 points and 18 rebounds against the Aces playing minus the injury-stricken Sonny Thoss, Jvee Casio, Vic Manuel and Calvin Abueva.

Actually, a replacement import in Calvin Warner was already supposed to take over from Leslie last night. Warner’s entry was deferred pending his formal release from his team in the Jordan league.