MANILA – Allein Maliksi had a victorious homecoming as the Meralco Bolts prevailed over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 106-93, in the 2023 PBA on Tour last night at the Quadricentennial Pavilion of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
Maliksi, a former UST standout during his collegiate years, waxed hot with 23 points to go with seven rebounds, three steals and two assists as the Bolts returned to their winning ways for a 5-3 win-loss slate.
Kier John Quinto added 22 markers, including five three-point conversions, Clifford Hodge and Franky Johnson had 15 and 14 points, respectively, while Raymond Almazan had double-double 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Bolts.
Maliksi caught fire early for the Bolts along with Johnson and Quinto as they erected a 37-21 advantage. The Gin Kings showed some life in the second quarter as they trimmed the deficit to 46-57 at the half.
The Gin Kings tried to claw its way back several times in the second half but the Bolts always has answers from Maliksi, Johnson and Quinto as the lead swelled to its largest at 19 points.
“It is so nice to be back here in UST. Iba pa din ang feeling to play in familiar environment,” Maliksi said. “As one of the veterans of the team, I just want to lead by example especially coming from a bad loss.”
Von Pessumal top-scored with 26 points, with three outside shots, Jeremiah Gray had double-double 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Sidney Onwubere and Jayson David had 14 and 12, respectively, as the Gin Kings dropped to 4-4.
Meanwhile, NLEX Road Warriors leaned on a strong fourth quarter run to defeat NorthPort Batang Pier, 95-87, to score its second straight win. Both teams now have 3-4 win-loss slate.
Holding to a slim 67-66 lead after three quarters, the Road Warriors opened the final quarter with a huge run behind Sean Anthony, Elvin Jake Pascual, Kevin Alas and Ilonggo Clint Doliguez for an 89-76 lead.
The Batang Pier rallied to within 85-93 on back-to-back triples from Arvin Tolentino before he missed three crucial free throws. Alas then sealed the win for the Road Warriors with a layup.
Anthony top-scored for the Road Warriors with 25 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists, Doliguez added 14 markers, while Aklanon Kris Rosales and Celedonio Trollano had 13 and 12 points, respectively.
BOX SCORE:
MERALCO 106 – Maliksi 23, Quinto 22, Hodge 15, Johnson 14, Almazan 13, Rios 6, Dario 5, Pascual 4, Torres 2, Jose 2, Pasaol 0.
GINEBRA 93 – Pessumal 26, Gray 15, Onwubere 14, David 12, R. Aguilar 8, Mariano 8, Pinto 5, Aurin 3, Gumaru 2, Dillinger 0, Espanola 0.
Quarterscores: 37-21, 57-46, 91-76, 106-93./PN
