Rookies lift Meralco to first victory

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco pulled off its first win in its post-Asi Taulava era, drawing tremendous strength from rookies Cliff Hodge and Kelly Nabong as the Bolts whipped the Alaska Milk Aces, 93-86, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Hodge was all over the floor, piling up 20 points and 11 rebounds while Nabong was a big help with 11 boards, six markers and one assist as the Bolts broke into the win-column after losing an overtime battle versus the Talk n Text Tropang Texters Friday.

“Nobody can fill in for Asi (Taulava). Right now, we’re playing center by committee. Sometimes it’s JayR (Reyes), sometimes it’s Carlo Sharma and sometimes it’s (Kelly) Nabong. If we get Asi’s numbers even on a combined basis, we take it,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“The quickest possible time we forget Asi, good for us because he’s not coming back. Life goes on for us,” Gregorio added.

Hodge and Nabong produced the numbers for Meralco in this particular game, and the Bolts pulled through even in the absence of injured lead playmaker Chris Ross, handing Alaska a second straight loss.

“It’s unusual to have a rookie dictate effort level in a game. We’re just fortunate to have Cliff Hodge. He brings a lot of excitement, dirty work inside the court and court smarts,” said Gregorio of their prized draft acquisition.

“When we drafted him (at No. 4 overall), we thought he’s just defensive player, rebounder and loose ball diver. It’s definitely a good relief we got from the draft a guy like him,” Gregorio added.

The Reedley College product was unstoppable in a key stretch in the third quarter, enabling the Bolts to seize control, 63-48.

Mark Cardona, Reynel Hugnatan, Sunday Salvacion and Sol Mercado provided support as Meralco kept Alaska Milk at bay the rest of the way.

Hodge more than held his own against Gabby Espinas, causing the veteran Alaska player to lose his temper at one point in the fourth quarter.

Espinas drew a technical foul as he swung his elbow on Hodge’s face.

Undaunted, Hodge continued to do his thing, helping Meralco get another 15-point spread at 93-78.  

Petron Blaze nailed its first win under coach Olsen Racela, leaning on clutch plays by Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos as the Boosters fended off the Barako Bull Energy Cola’s fourth-quarter charge for a 98-89 victory in the nightcap.

Hodge scored underneath the basket just before the buzzer sounded as Meralco took the half at 50-44.

Ronjay Buenafe went 4-of-5 from the three-point area as he led the Bolts charge in the first 24 minutes of play.

Buenafe, Cardona, Mercado and Salvacion wound up with at least 10 points each while Cyrus Baguio led the losing team with 19 markers.