Bolts take top spot, deal Carnival 2nd straight loss

MANILA, Philippines -- Josh Davis used his quickness to pile up big all-around numbers against Kia giant import Peter John Ramos while Gary David and Jai Reyes provided fiery offense coming off the bench as the Meralco Bolts stung the Carnival, 90-80, for a second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.

Davis, debuting in the local pro league with 25 points and 24 rebounds against Barangay Ginebra, churned out 19 markers, 19 boards, seven steals, two assists and one block this time as the Bolts repeated their 99-93 conquest of the Carnival in their Philippine Cup faceoff.

David and Reyes, stepping up in the absence of Jared Dillinger and Mike Cortez, combined for seven three-pointers and a total of 41 points, helping the Bolts to the come-from-behind win over Ramos and the Carnival.

Kia suffered a second straight loss in the mid-season tourney and its 12th dating back to the all-Filipino conference.

Reactivated just Thursday afternoon, Reyes went 5-of-14 from the field, including three triples, and also made three charities for a career-best 16 points.

The former Ateneo spitfire fired two charities to spark Meralco’s rally from an 11-point deficit in the second quarter on the way to a second straight win following an 85-74 triumph over the Gin Kings Tuesday.

“We did a good job at halftime to instill more energy on our defense,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“I’m very happy for Cliff Hodge whose energy helped us a lot, for Gary David for his consistency and Jai who played a big role for orchestrating the offense. I thought Jai did a good job stepping up in the absence of Mike Cortez,” Black also said.

The Bolts needed to raise the level of intensity and energy of their game to overcome the Carnival’s strong start and Ramos’ 34-point and 21-rebounds performance.

The Carnival took an early double-digit spread at 16-6 and dominated most of the first half before settling for a 48-46 margin at the turn.

A good double-teaming job on Ramos was a big factor as the Bolts turned the game around in the third period, leading 62-56 going into the final canto.

Kia worked on its own fightback at the start of the fourth quarter but as the Carnival closed in at 66-67, the Bolts rode on a crucial binge by David, Reyes and Davis to pull away for good.

Reyes improved by a point his previous career best of 15 as he nailed two charities making it 78-71 with 3:45 left to play.

Ramos could have matched or surpassed his 41-point PBA debut if not for a woeful 9-of-17 free throws. He also committed seven turnovers in the face of Meralco’s helping defense.

JR Buensuceso was the only other Kia player who hit double figures as he tossed in three treys and a twinner for 11 points.