Akil Michel leads Meralco Bolts past Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. -PBA Images
Meralco overcame a disappointing first half and a 23-point deficit to pull out a 111-109 victory over Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday.
Import Akil Mitchell hit a one-handed shot with 1.3 seconds remaining, leading the Bolts to victory despite injuries to four key players to begin their campaign in the midseason tournament.
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Mitchell, who posted 27 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and six steals, received a pass from Chris Newsome from the left side of the foul line, faked a shot that enabled him to get the winning basket by Kenneth Tuffin.
READ: Akil Mitchell shows potential to be perfect fit for Meralco Bolt
Returning Aaron Black also played a key role in the Bolts’ rally, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Black played just two games last conference call after undergoing surgery for a meniscus injury.
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Newsome had 23 points and six rebounds, while Bong Quinto added 14 points, five rebounds and five assists despite suffering a right knee injury throughout the contest.
The Bolts forced coach Luigi Trillo and active advisor Nenad Vucinic to dig deep into their lineup by leaving out Allen Maliksi, Chris Banchero, Brandon Bates and rookie CJ Cansino.
READ: Meralco Bolts get to celebrate PH Cup win one last time
Phoenix dropped to 0-2 after squandering a 71-48 lead and a 73-54 lead at halftime, and it looked like the Meralco team was demoralized.
But Bolt slowly came back and relied on his defense to eventually set up his first cardiac finish in the opening round of the tournament.
Import Donovan Smith scored 33 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Fuel Masters.
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Rookie Kai Ballunge scored 18 points and seven boards, while Tyler Teo added 17 points.
