Meralco turned on full power to roll past Converge, 109-88, for a commanding opening win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, March 18, at the Ynares Center. The Bolts overcame an early deficit before completely taking over behind a well-rounded performance on both ends of the floor.

Import Marvin Jones delivered in his debut, joining forces with CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome to power the team to a dominant comeback. Their combined firepower helped Meralco erase a nine-point first-quarter hole and seize control of the game.

Meralco unleashes second-half surge

Jones finished with a game-high 29 points and eight rebounds, while Cansino erupted for 23 points highlighted by his perfect shooting from the four-point arc and efficiency from deep. Newsome added 19 points as the trio anchored the Bolts’ offense in a strong opening statement.

Head coach Luigi Trillo credited the team’s collective effort, noting that every player who saw action contributed to the win. Meralco’s balanced attack and improved defensive execution proved key in pulling away.

The Bolts broke the game open with a 26-18 run in the second quarter and followed it up with a 31-20 surge in the third. That stretch allowed Meralco to build a comfortable lead and dictate the tempo the rest of the way.

Converge struggles without key piece

The Converge FiberXers, who were without Juan Gomez de Liano due to a right knee bone contusion, dropped to their second straight loss. The absence of a key playmaker was felt as the team struggled to keep pace offensively.

Converge managed to trim a 20-point deficit down to nine, but Meralco quickly responded with timely outside shooting from Cansino, Jones, and Newsome. The Bolts’ composure against defensive adjustments ensured there would be no late-game collapse.