PBA Player of the Week Lanete keeps undermanned Meralco afloat

MANILA, Philippines – With Meralco facing must-win games at the tailend of the elimination-round, Garvo Lanete stood tall on the offensive end, leading the Bolts to back-to-back wins on the way to earning the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award in the Philippine Cup.

The sweet-shooting wingman out of San Beda averaged 21.5 points per game, while knocking down seven triples in Meralco’s narrow victories over Phoenix and favored squad Barangay Ginebra, respectively, as the Bolts kept their flickering playoff chances alive.

The 29-year-old Lanete pumped in 24 markers while going 4-of-9 from three-point zone, enabling Meralco to survive a furious Phoenix rally, 92-90 on Valentine’s Day.

Four days later, Lanete was again at the forefront of Meralco’s offensive, scoring 19 points to go along with two rebounds and three steals as the undermanned ball club of coach Norman Black nipped Ginebra, 84-82 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

The win was just Meralco’s fourth in 10 games overall but it was enough to forge a three-way tie with Blackwater and TNT for ninth spot.

What made the win even more satisfying was the fact that the Bolts accomplished it without injured veterans Ranidel de Ocampo, Cliff Hodge and Jared Dillinger.

Lanete won the weekly award for the period of Feb. 12-18 after beating Magnolia forward Rome dela Rosa, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross and Arwind Santos as well as NLEX guard Kevin Alas.

Meralco hopes its magical run continues as the Bolts close out their elimination round match against Magnolia in another must-win situation in their road game in Cagayan de Oro City this coming Saturday.