Bolts nail 4th straight win, down Painters

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs San Miguel

7 p.m. – NLEX vs Purefoods

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco sustained its breakthrough run under coach Norman Black, matching the franchise’s longest streak of four straight wins as the Bolts used a blazing windup to turn back the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 92-87, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.

Josh Davis, Sean Anthony and Mike Cortez anchored their fiery finish, battering the Elasto Painters, 30-14, in the fourth quarter and propelling the Bolts to solo lead with win No. 4 following earlier victories over Barangay Ginebra (85-74), Kia (90-80) and Talk n Text (91-83).

“It’s a good start for us,” said Black after handing the team its first four-game streak since making the same run in the 2010-11 Philippine Cup.

“In the first half, we had a difficult time with their post offense and in guarding Rick Jackson. In the second half, we made adjustments defensively, and it made the difference for us,” said Black of their come-from-behind win over the E-Painters.

The E-Painters took control most of the way, leading by as many as 13 points, 76-63, early in the fourth but seemed to relax early, giving an opening that the Bolts pounced on to gain ground on erstwhile tournament co-leaders the Purefoods Star Hotshots and the Barako Bull Energy.

The Hotshots try to regain a share of the lead with the Bolts as they take on the NLEX Road Warriors tonight in a game where they finally unveil new import Daniel Orton.

San Miguel Beer and Blackwater face off in the 4:15 p.m. curtain-raiser also at the Big Dome.

Purefoods coach Tim Cone said Orton has integrated well with the team making them hopeful of keeping a perfect slate following earlier wins over Globalport, Alaska Milk and Blackwater.

In those games, Marqus Blakely, a one-time PBA Best Import awardee in the Governors Cup, did a sterling job as a stand-in import, averaging 22 points, 14.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.6 blocks against 2.6 errors.

Davis continued to also make good impression for Meralco, churning out 31 points and 14 rebounds as the Bolts dealt the E-Painters a second loss in four games.

“Davis is a good player. Even in the States, he’s got a reputation as a good rebounder and defender. He’s not exactly a go-to guy but he can score in attacking the basket,” said Black of his prized catch.

“(Mike) Dunigan is also good but it didn’t work out. But I have no complaint with Davis,” Black also said, stressing he he’s no regret losing Dunigan to Barangay Ginebra.

Davis saved his best for last, outscoring the whole RoS team, 15-14, in the final canto. He tossed in 11 in a rip-roaring 23-4 run that had the Bolts wiping out a 13-point deficit and storming ahead at 85-80.

The E-Painters drew even at 87-all with 2:14 left, but never scored a single basket again to yield the game.

Curiously, RoS coach Yeng Guiao stuck with Beau Belga, JR Quinahan, TY Tang, Jireh Ibanes and Jonathan Uyloan, not making a timeout and substitution as the Bolts chipped away their 13-point deficit in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter.

Jackson checked back in only when the Bolts were back in the game at 75-78.

Even with Jackson’s return, the Bolts sustained their charge, eventually surging ahead, 80-78, on a 3-pointer and a twinner by Cortez.

Jackson had piled up 18 points and 16 rebounds in the first three quarters before being rested.