Titan Ultra Giant Risers’ Calvin Abueva against Meralco Bolts’s Cliff Hodge in the PBA 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.
RIZAL — The Titan Ultra Giant Risers went hard against the Meralco Bolts to emerge victorious in their PBA debut on Wednesday at the Ynares Center.
Calvin Abueva erupted for a new career-high of 41 points to lift Titan past Meralco, 100-96, to open their Season 50 Philippine Cup Campaign.
He came up big for Titan Ultra with 14 of 27 field goals, along with 9 of 10 free throws and seven rebounds.
Abueva dropped 16 markers in the third quarter alone, pushing the lead of Titan to as many as 19 points over the former Philippine Cup champions.
The Giant Risers shook off a slow start, playing catch-up after the Bolts went on an 11-0 run in the opening frame.
Titan went on a 7-0 run led by Abueva to eventually cut the lead to a single digit at the end of the first quarter.
It was a close second quarter, with Fran Yu stepping up for Titan Ultra draining a trey and a four-point shot to tie the game at 45-all by halftime.
Aside from Abueva, Joshua Munzon added 14 markers, six boards and five assists. Cade Flores pitched in 10 points from a 5 of 6 shooting clip and 6 rebounds.
Sophomore CJ Cansino tried to provide the spark for the Bolts with 22 points, including a four-point shot in the final frame.
Big man Raymond Almazan contributed 16 markers, while Bong Quinto added 15 points in a losing effort.
Up next for Titan Ultra are the Converge FiberXers, while Meralco takes on the Rain or Shine Elastopainters on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.