By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
WINNERS of their last two matches in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, the Meralco Bolts look to extend their current surge when they collide with also on-a-roll Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in the 7 p.m. main game today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Boosted by having a more “complete” roster with big import Arinze Onuaku in tow, the Bolts (3-1) have been competing on a better footing this time around than in the previous conference, something they hope to get to sustain moving forward.
“You can see the difference of having a center like Arinze on our team because he helps us control the middle, particularly on the rebounds and inside the paint,” said Meralco coach Norman Black of their import following their huge 93-85 win over defending champions San Miguel Beermen on May 9.
“He may not be scoring huge on a regular basis but he gives a lot in other aspects of the game and he fills a big need for us,” he added.
Against the Beermen, Mr. Onuaku, a former best import awarded, only had 13 points, but finished with 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks.
Leading the team in scoring was Baser Amer who had a game-high 28 points with Chris Newsome adding 23 and Jared Dillinger 14 points.
Out to halt the streak of the Bolts is Magnolia, which has racked up back-to-back victories after starting the midseason PBA tournament with a loss.
The latest of the victories of the Hotshots came just last Wednesday when they routed Columbian Dyip, 126-101.
Magnolia had an explosive opening half and practically coasted the rest of the way to book the win.
Import Vernon Macklin led six Hotshots in double-digits, finishing with 19 points to go along with eight boards.
Ian Sangalang had 18 points while Mark Barroca and Paul Lee each had 17 points.
Aldrech Ramos and Jio Jalalon were the two other Hotshots who scored in double digits with 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
“We are happy to have won back-to-back games but up for us next is an elite team in Meralco. So we really have to ready despite the short turnaround,” said Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.
Incidentally, Mr. Macklin is set to play his last game for Magnolia today in this conference as he is set to fly to China to play there.
He said it was a tough decision to make and he is very thankful to the Magnolia management for releasing him.
Meanwhile, playing in the opening game at 4:30 p.m. are the TNT KaTropa (3-1) against the Blackwater Elite (0-5).

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