Dawson explodes for 57 points as Meralco zaps Petron

MANILA, Philippines – Eric Dawson erupted for a nine-year league-high of 57 points in a megavolt performance powering Meralco to a 102-92 win over Petron Blaze and into joint third place in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Dawson came out a tremendous source of power and energy for the Bolts in this game, bulldozing his way to 20 field-goal conversions and 17 charities in the most productive showing by any player in the league since Derrick Brown put in the same output in a game with Sta. Lucia Realty in 2004.

The former San Antonio Spur made at least 10 points in each quarter, and Reynel Hugnatan and Sunday Salvation provided help as Meralco unleashed a decisive 18-2 run in the payoff quarter to tie Petron Blaze and Barangay Ginebra at third place at 6-5 (win-loss).

Dawson showed up Henry Sims in his debut as a Petron import, surpassing the previous season-high of 41 points by KG Canaleta just by the third period.

The Meralco import could have topped Askia Jones’ 60-point output with Shell in 2001 but he asked to be subbed with over 41 seconds left to play.

Sims, a former New Orleans Hornet taking over from Rodney White, logged 16 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in a mediocre debut in the local pro league.

“Fantastic game and I was also amazed. I didn’t see anything like it for a long, long time especially with the advent of scouting reports,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“I thought Petron did their job defensively but Eric was on fire. He carried us on his shoulders,” Gregorio added.

“I’m always inspired while on the court. Our intensity was the big difference in this game,” said Dawson after a career-high game, besting his 41-point effort with the Austin Toros in the NBA D-League in 2008.

The tournament scoring leader with an average of 26.8, Dawson topped his norm right in the first half where he piled up 30.

Still, the Bolts took some time to take control.

The Boosters were still ahead at 78-75 before the Bolts were finally able to work on a key run to open a commanding lead at 93-80.

Salvation rifled in a three-pointer to spark the attack where the only thing the Boosters could answer was a single basket from Marcio Lassiter.

Chris Lutz returned from a nine-game layoff but Petron missed a key player in Ronald Tubid who was out with sore eyes.

Meralco set out minus Sol Mercado. Curiously, it worked well for the team at least in this particular game with the Bolts going heavily to Dawson at the post.