Meralco resorted on a big third quarter rally to defeat Ginebra, 85-74, in the nightcap of the PBA Commissioner's Cup opening salvo at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With members of the FIBA World Cup venue inspection team inside the arena to check out the Philippines' preparedness for hosting the 2019 edition, the Bolts mounted two huge rallies to blow out the Gin Kings.
After a close first quarter, Meralco unleashed a second quarter run to open a 13-point cushion late in the period.
Ginebra, now coached again by Ato Agustin, started the second half with an 8-2 run to come to within three.
But Gary David led the game-turning 17-1 Bolts blast to stretch their lead to 19 and never looked back.
David scored 21 points to backstop foreign reinforcement Josh Davis, who tallied a 20-20 game of 25 points and 24 rebounds.
Greg Slaughter led the Gin Kings with 23 points, while Mike Dunnigan added 17.
Box Scores:
Meralco 85-Davis 25, David 21, Cortez 12, Hodge 6, Wilson 6, Ferriols 4, Hugnatan 4, Atkins 3, Anthony 2, Sena 2, Reyes 0, Ildefonso 0, Reyes 0, Buenafe 0, Macapagal 0
Ginebra 74-Slaughter 23, Dunigan 17, Baracael 11, Urbiztondo 6, Caguioa 6, Tenorio 3, Monfort 3, Helterbrand 3, Ellis 2, Mamaril 0, Yeo 0, Reyes 0, Aguilar 0, Ababou 0, Brondial 0
Quarterscores: 18-23, 43-34, 64-50, 85-74
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