Bolts zap Painters to enter win column

MANILA, Philippines -- The Meralco Bolts tallied their first win in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the expense of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 122-114, Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

Meralco used a third-quarter surge to leave the Elasto Painters in the rearview mirror, as they sent Rain or Shine to its second straight loss in the import-laden conference. 

New import Antonio Hester shone immediately for the Bolts, finishing with 21 points to go with nine rebounds and two assists. Jason Brickman added 19 markers, seven dimes, three boards and three steals. 

Rain or Shine had a strong start in the game, going up by 11 points, 58-47, in the second quarter after a slam by Aaron Fuller. 

Meralco then dropped a 41-point third quarter to grab a 95-83 margin heading into the fourth. 

The lead grew to as much as 15 points, 104-89, in the final frame, but the Elasto Painters kept themselves within striking distance. 

They cut the deficit to eight, 109-117, with 2:26 remaining, but a dagger triple by Bong Quinto kept their opponents at bay, 120-109, with 2:05 left. 

Rain or Shine was able to make it a six-point ballgame, 114-120, with 22 seconds to go, but it was just a case of too little, too late. 

Chris Banchero and Quinto added 15 and 14 markers, respectively, off the bench. CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome chipped in 12 and 10 as well. 

Fuller flexed his muscles inside with 28 points and 10 rebounds for Rain or Shine. Adrian Nocum backstopped with 21 points, while Deo Cuajao produced 19 points and two rebounds in a starting role.