MANILA – Meralco Bolts got a much-needed spark from Negrense Reynel Hugnatan to score a come-from-behind 109-98 win over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down by as much as 15 points in the third quarter, the 43-year-old Hugnatan unloaded consecutive inside hits and back-to-back triples to trim the deficit to 75-79.
Hugnatan continued his scoring with an inside hit and two free throws before Chris Newsome and Aaron Black took turns on the offensive end as the Bolts build its largest lead at 104-92 on a trey by Hugnatan.
The Bacolod City-native Hugnatan tallied 17 points, including three outside conversions, to go with three rebounds and two assists as the Bolts started the season on a winning note.
“I always make sure na I am ready if ever ipapasok ako ni coach,” Hugnatan said. “Nagpapasalamat din ako sa teammates ko na nagtitiwala pa din sa akin by passing the ball to me.”
Newsome and Black spearheaded the offense for the Bolts with 21 and 19 points, respectively, while Raymond Almazan and Kier John Quinto added 12 points each.
Jason Perkins ended the match with 28 points, Matthew Wright and RJ Jazul added 16 and 13 points, respectively, as the Fuel Masters dropped to 0-2.
Meanwhile, Robert Bolick Jr. and Jamie Malonzo shone anew as NorthPort Batang Pier hacked out a 100-86 beating of Terrafirma Dyip for a 2-0 Philippine Cup start.
Bolick posted near triple-double numbers of 26 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists, while Malonzo had double-double 19 points and 16 rebounds for Batang Pier.
Kevin Ferrer unloaded five triples to end up with 15 points, John Michael Calma contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, as Arwind Santos had 10 points for the NorthPort.
BOX SCORE:
MERALCO 109 – Newsome 21, Black 19, Hugnatan 17, Maliksi 15, Quinto 12, Almazan 12, Hodge 5, Banchero 4, Caram 4, Pasaol 0, Jose 0, Pascual 0, Baclao 0.
PHOENIX 98 – Perkins 28, Wright 16, Jazul 13, Mocon 10, Tio 9, Serrano 7, Garcia 6, lalata 4, Rios 3, Melecio 2, Muyang 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 45-51, 75-79, 109-98./PN
