Meralco cruises past TnT as import exits

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco found Tropang TNT a bit easier to handle on the early ouster of volatile import Ivan Johnson on technical infractions, pulling off an 88-84 win for the early solo lead in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena last night.

Dead last in the Philippine Cup with a woeful 1-11 win-loss record, the Bolts have surpassed that mark on a flying 2-0 start in the mid-season tourney touched off by a 90-86 victory over the Star Hotshots on Wednesday over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Texters moved down to 1-1 with a need to find a new import following PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa’s automatic sacking of Johnson after an incident between the two of them in the second quarter of this Petron Blaze Saturday Special.

Johnson was banned from the PBA and fined P250,000 for addressing the league commissioner with profanities after drawing a second technical foul in the 4:21 mark of the second period.

The TNT import earlier had served a suspension on the team’s first game in the conference for his attack on JP Erram and Mark Golla during the TNT-Blackwater pretournament tune-up. He also drew a fine of P50,000 for that incident.

Last year, he had his run-ins with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao during the ROS-TNT final confrontation in this conference.

A talented but temperamental player, Johnson has also been banned from the Korean league and has drawn fines in the NBA while with the Atlanta Hawks.

 Meanwhile, action swings back at the Big Dome in the league’s Valentine’s Day presentation pitting Mahindra versus Blackwater at 3 p.m. then Barangay Ginebra against Globalport at 5:15 p.m. today.

The Enforcers seek a second straight win while the Elite, the Gin Kings and the Batang Pier all try to bounce back from an opening-game loss.

The Bolts immediately made a decisive move on Johnson’s exit, opening a 33-26 lead at the half and going on to dominate the game.

“Our biggest problem is rebounding. It helps that our import is a good rebounder. I also think we’re in better condition physically this conference,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

Johnson was ejected from the game on a second technical foul incurred on a wayward elbow to the face of Bryan Faundo right in front of the league commissioner.

Before leaving the floor, he was heard throwing a foul language at the league chieftain. He’s the first player banned in the league since the Renaldo Balkman incident.