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Meralco import DJ Kennedy. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco has clinched its third win in as many games in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The Bolts (3-0) have stayed unbeaten, also gaining a share of the lead by keeping Terrafirma (0-4) luckless, 96-91, on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Leading the charge for the Bolts was new import DJ Kennedy, who succeeded Akil Mitchell after suffering a broken nose in their match against Rain or Shine.
Kennedy listed a total of 32 points on 8-of-15 clip and 16-of-20 free throws, collected six rebounds, and had four assists and a steal.
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Gilas Pilipinas stalwart Chris Newsome and big man Raymond Almazan were also there as support, tallying 15 points each.
The Dyip might have been put down, but not without a fight as what was once a 16-point Meralco lead was squashed later on by the Dyip.
The Terrafirma side, led by reinforcement Brandon Edwards, eventually tied at 91-apiece in the fourth frame as Vic Manuel completed his trip to the charity line.
But Jansen Rios made his most important basket just in time, draining a triple with around nine seconds left for a 94-91 cushion for the Bolts.
Newsome then capitalized on a Manuel turnover, sealing the victory by converting on late free throws.
"We got lucky," uttered coach Luigi Trillo during the postgame press conference.
"You give them [the Dyip] credit. They're resilient out there, maganda 'yung jell ng import nila and the players didn't give up... We're not happy with the way we executed. We had it in the bag and in the last three minutes, we let them back into the game," Trillo added.
"It's good that you know, Jansen [Rios] hit that three."
Edwards and Brent Paraiso scattered 21 and 20 points for the Dyip, respectively.
Meralco will be facing Blackwater next, slated on December 12, while Terrafirma seeks to enter the win column on December 13 against San Miguel.
The Scores:
MERALCO 96 – Kennedy 32, Newsome 15, Almazan 15, Rios 11, Caram 7, pascual 6, Quinto 4Hodge 3, Pasaol 2, Black 1, Jose 0, Torres 0
TERRAFIRMA 91 – Edwards 21, Paraiso 20, Manuel 13, Sangalang 10, Melecio 9, Pringle 6, Olivario 5, Catapusan 2, Nonoy 2, Ramos 2, Ferrer 1, Hernandez 0, Zaldivar 0
QUARTERS: 21-20, 39-40, 69-61, 96-91
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