Import Mario West scored 47 points to rally the Meralco Bolts past the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 92-86, in Friday Governors’ Cup action at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Known more for his defensive prowess, West outdueled his prolific counterpart Tony Mitchell, who finished with 32 points. The Meralco reinforcement scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to carry the Bolts back from a 10-point halftime deficit.
Meralco started the game on fire, taking a double-digit edge after the first quarter, 26-16. But the Bolts offense floundered as Talk ‘N Text found its form in the second period, when the Tropang Texters unleashed a 31-11 run.
But the Bolts clawed back in the second half behind West and Rey Guevarra, who scored 10 of his 12 points in the third period. The two men combined for 21 of Meralco’s 25 third quarter points to cut the Talk ‘N Text lead to just five points, 67-62.
West took over in the final period, nearly equalling the Tropang Texters’ 19-point output in the quarter.
“We were able to finally break their zone defense especially in the second half,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. “I thought that was the key.”
Gregorio also credited coaching consultant Jong Uichico, who authored the team’s defensive gameplan against Talk ‘N Text.
“He did a tremendous job preparing our team,” said Gregorio.
Curiously, Gregorio, Uichico, and Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black all served as assistant coaches for Gilas Pilipinas.
Cliff Hodge added 18 points for Meralco, whose win-loss record improved to 2-2.
Returning Gilas players Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier finished with 18 and 11 points, respectively. But the third returnee Ranidel De Ocampo struggled with just two points after making just one of 10 shots.
Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/mario-west-drops-47-points-as-meralco-spoils-return-of-gilas-players-to-talk-n-text
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