Meralco mauls Kia to check slump

KG Canaleta led Meralco's rout of Kia. PBA Media Bureau
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Meralco quickly brought Kia back to reality with a 105-76 blowout win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

The Bolts outscored the Picanto, 33-20, in the second quarter to blow the game wide open and never looked back.

KG Canaleta led Meralco, which snapped a three-game skid, with 17 points, six rebounds, and one steal, while Jared Dillinger added 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Cliff Hodge went 4-for-4 from the field in his return for eight markers with six boards, three dimes, and one swipe.

Rashawn McCarthy led Kia, which failed to follow up from its breakthrough win on Saturday night, with 17 points, 12 caroms, one assist, and one interception.

Jon-Jon Gabriel made an impression in his PBA debut, making 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Box Scores:

Meralco 105-Canaleta 17, Dillinger 13, Caram 12, Amer 10, Hodge 8, Faundo 8, Hugnatan 7, Tolomia 7, Newsome 6, Ballesteros 6, Baracael 5, Salva 5, Sedurifa 1, Lanete 0, Bono 0

Kia 76 - McCarthy 17, Yee 14, Gabriel 13, Galanza 9, Celda 8, Tubid 8, Caperal 3, Jamon 2, Sara 2, Ababou 0, Cabrera 0, Khobuntin 0

Quarterscores: 27-21, 60-41, 79-58, 105-76

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