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Allein Maliksi provided the spark Meralco needed to finally burst into the victory column with a 93-81 win over Alaska on Wednesday at the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the University of California Foundation Stadium. Angels in Pampanga.
The former University of Santo Tomas Snarling Tiger warmed up virtually everywhere on the court to finish with 17 points on a 6-for-9 shot from the field.
“We just trusted coach Norman’s system [Black] and we regrouped, ”Maliksi told BusinessMirror. “We fixed our mistakes and got a better result”
The Bolts are now 1-1 win-lose after giving up their first bubble game, 98-116, to Phoenix Super LPG last Monday.
“We were very happy to have recovered. This is a good boost heading into our big game against Geneva on Sunday, ”Maliksi added, emphasizing anxiety and boredom are no longer a problem within the bubble.
“We’re used to it now,” he said.
The Bolts had the energy this time and led to 85-68 on Baser Amer’s 3-pointer with 5:18 to play.
Amer scattered with 15 points, while veteran Reynel Hugnatan had 13 points and eight rebounds. Cliff Hodge had 11 points for Meralco.
“It’s a good feeling to get that win,” Meralco coach Norman Black said, adding that it feels more difficult to lose inside the bubble. “It’s a bit difficult if you are losing in the bubble because you see everyone, every minute of the day.”
“You see all the teams, you see the referees, and you can’t stop playing basketball because of the atmosphere. So I think it takes a bit of pressure on the players to get that first win, ”he said.
Returning big man Raymond Almazan, who just recovered from a knee injury, played limited minutes and had five points and five rebounds.
“He’s getting better now,” Maliksi said of Almazan.
Jeron Teng exploded for 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Vic Manuel had 18 points for Alaska.
The Aces took their second consecutive loss.
Scores:
Meralco 93 – Maliksi 17, Amer 15, Hugnatan 13, Hodge 11, Black 8, Jose 6, Newsome 6, Pinto 6, Quinto 5, Almazan 5, Faundo 2.
Alaska 81 – Teng 25, Manuel 18, Herndon 8, Publico 8, Tratter 6, DiGregorio 6, Brondial 5, Galliguez 3, Ayaay 2, Ebona 0, Andrada 0, Casio 0.
Quarters: 29-23; 49-35; 65-58; 93-81.
