Bolts outclass Energy in double overtime

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco made a triumphant start under coach Norman Black as the Bolts gutted it out through regulation play and in 10 extra minutes to carve out a 112-108 win over Barako Bull in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Bereft of big stars and composed mostly of scrappy players, the Bolts outclassed the Energy in a double-overtime battle, somehow proving their perfect 6-0 win-loss showing in the offseason was no fluke.

In-between games last night, the league held the ring ceremony for Season 39 grand slam champion Purefoods Star (formerly San Mig Coffee).

Reynel Hugnatan came through with a career-high 28 points with five other Meralco players adding double-digit outputs as they won their first game in this tourney where they finished ninth last season.

“It’s a good start for us, one that we looked forward to,” said the new Meralco bench chieftain, a champion coach with San Miguel Beer, Sta. Lucia Realty and Talk n Text.

“Well-earned victory. We had to work to get the win. Obviously, Barako was very inspired by their new coach. They came out with a lot of fire,” Black also said.

The Energy led by as many as 15 points in the first half but succumbed to lapses and errors in the crunch and thus dropped their debut against coach Coy Banal, a replacement to Siot Tanquingcen on the eve of the season.

Misunderstanding between the management and Tanquingcen reportedly led to the surprise sacking of the coach.

But despite their lack of preparation under Banal, the Energy fought competitively, even getting the chance to win the game in regulation play, but Mick Pennisi blew it away on an errant inside pass in the closing seconds.

In the first overtime, Chico Lanete eluded defender John Wilson with a double crossover move then made an awkward layup off Hugnatan to send the game into second extra period.

Later in the night, Alaska Milk, abandoning the triangle offense for a relentless gung-ho game, humbled reigning four-peat champ Purefoods Star, 93-73, in an impressive season debut.

“It’s a great start obviously. We’re up against a great team under the best coach in the league. But we also have to admit we beat them without Marc Pingris,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.