Undersized Meralco showed a lot of
grit in their big double-OT win over Barako Bull, while Alaska exploited a
depleted Purefoods squad to open its 2014-2015 campaign.
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| Stepping up. Reynel Hugnatan (top) and Calvin Abueva (bottom) led their respective PBA teams to victory. |
Game Capsules:
MERALCO BOLTS over BARAKO BULL ENERGY, 112-108 (2 OT)
Natural power forward Reynel
Hugnatan started and played 47 minutes en route to 28 points and 6 rebounds as
the Meralco Bolts beat the Barako Bull Energy in two extra periods. Hugnatan
was a perfect 10/10 from the charity stripe, while also shooting 9/14 from the
field. He got a lot of help, too, as five other Meralco players finished in
double-digits. Foremost among these was Cliff Hodge, who made the most of his
45 minutes by scoring 10 points, grabbing SIXTEEN rebounds, handing out 5
assists, and blocking 3 shots. Versatile forward Sean Anthony also did well
with 14 markers, 9 boards, 3 steals, and 2 dimes. On the other end, Chico
Lanete paced Barako Bull with 21 points on 10/19 FG shooting, while JC Intal
added 20 markers on the strength of 4 triples. It was a sorry loss for Barako Bull
as the Energy led by nine in the first half and looked well in-control before
Meralco made its rally in the second half.
Line of the Game: Reynel Hugnatan – 28 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block, 9/14 FG, 10/10 FT.
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| Cliff Hodge is looking to have a breakout season for the Bolts. |
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| Reynel Hugnatan shows rookie Jake Pascual the ropes. |
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| RR Garcia debuted for Barako Bull Energy. |
ALASKA ACES over PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS, 93-73
With Marc Pingris still resting, Ian
Sangalang tearing his ACL, and the Hotshots turning the ball over 24 times, the
Alaska Aces didn’t need much time to wrest control of this game and cruise to
the big win. Calvin Abueva played just 17 minutes, but he scored 21 points,
grabbed 4 rebounds, and handed out 2 assists while shooting 8/13 from the
field. He was backstopped by RJ Jazul, who hit three treys on his way to 11
points, while starting bigs Vic Manuel and Sonny Thoss combined for 20 markers
and 21 boards. James Yap tried to rally Purefoods with 16 points, but it was
all in vain. Seldom-used big man Yousef Taha impressed, though, scoring 10
markers hauling down 11 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and getting 2 steals
for the Hotshots. PJ Simon was the only other guy in double-figures for coach
Tim Cone. Usual reliables Mark Barroca and Joe Devance also struggled, pairing
up for 4/14 FG shooting from the floor since being teammates.
Line of the Game: Calvin Abueva – 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 8/13 FG shooting.
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| Calvin Abueva tore the Purefoods D to shreds. |
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| Not even James Yap could lead a turnaround for Purefoods. |
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| Vic Manuel, starting in place of the injured Gabby Espinas, tries to bring down the ball. |
All images are by Nuki Sabio/PBA.
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