 |
| DJ Kennedy capped an impressive PBA debut by assisting on the game-winning shot for Meralco. PBA Images |
MANILA--Jansen Rios stole the show from the debuting DJ Kennedy and Brandon Edwards as Meralco escaped with a 96-91 win in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
In a battle between imports who came on to replace their respective teams' opening night reinforcements, Kennedy got the last laugh over Edwards thanks to Rios, who hit the go-ahead shot for the Bolts.
Down 82-91 with 4:37 left, the Dyip went on a 9-0 run to tie the game at 91-all with 1:08 to play.
They even had a chance to take the lead as Kennedy missed a midrange jumper, but Edwards blew a layup on the other end, and Kennedy found Rios open for the eventual game-winning three with nine seconds left.
Meralco then forced Vic Manuel to a turnover, which led to two Chris Newsome free throws that iced the game.
Kennedy, who replaced fellow EASL import Akil Mitchell, led the Bolts, now tied with the NorthPort Batang Pier for first place at 3-0 with 32 points on 8-of-15 field goals and 16-of-20 free throws, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Newsome and Raymond Almazan each added 15 points with Almazan completing a double-double with 12 rebounds and Newsome just falling short of a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists.
Edwards, who was initially ruled out of the PBA Governors' Cup due to a knee injury but was finally cleared to play, made 21 points, 13 rebounds, one steal, and one block for the Dyip, who dropped to 0-4.
Brent Paraiso played his best game with Terrafirma after tallying 20 points, one rebound, three assists, and three steals.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
