Kings finally wake up, jolt Bolts, 88-78

MANILA, Philippines -- Brgy. Ginebra's new import Josh Powell made a quiet debut but proved to be the right fit as the rest of the locals played well in an 88-78 win over Meralco Bolts Wednesday night at SMART-Araneta Coliseum for their third straight victory in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup.

Chris Ellis fired two crucial three-pointers while Greg Slaughter hit 11 of his conference-high 15 points in the second half to lead the Kings to a much-needed win. Powell did a solid job despite fighting against jetlag with 16 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.

Mark Caguioa, who fired up the locals with a Twitter rant last Monday, scored seven first quarter points helping the Kings establish a 27-21 lead.

The Bolts, who also paraded a new import in Darnell Jackson, came back and even lead momentarily until Slaughter and Ellis took over in the fourth quarter.

Powell, who won two NBA rings with the Los Angeles Lakers, provided the muscle inside the paint and did the dirty work as the Kings caught their victim at 3-4 win-loss card.