Bishop: Big power source

Bolts bank on import to repel tropa

MANILA, Philippines — Import Tony Bishop restored power when needed as the Meralco Bolts overcame tough TNT, 83-80, to take a 2-0 slate in the 46th PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bishop knocked down five straight points to help Meralco to a fresh 82-76 cushion after squandering what was once a 10-point lead and highlight a monster 36-point, 17-rebound outing.

Bishop’s last rebound won back possession for Meralco after a Cliff Hodge miss, leading to Chris Newsome’s split that gave the Bolts more breathing space, 83-80, with 9.1 seconds left.

The Bolts then defended the Tropang Giga’s final offensive, which saw Kelly Williams flub the potential equalizer from beyond the arc.

“Another good game from Tony,” said Meralco coach Norman Black. “He stepped up, made some big plays, none any bigger than the offensive rebound late in the game. When we missed that shot, we were able to get the ball back and that gave us the chance to basically run the clock and control the game.”

RR Pogoy exploded with 25 for TNT (1-2) before getting sidelined by severe cramps with 1:06 left. Mickey Williams shot 24 to offset the four-point game of McKenzie Moore.

In the first game, Alaska Milk steamrolled Blackwater, 98-75, to regain traction in the tourney.

Skipper Maverick Ahanmisi took charge with 17 points plus eight rebounds as the Aces arrested a two-game slump and improved to 3-2 in a game that was essentially an all-Filipino battle with both imports playing sparingly due to injuries.

Alaska’s Olu Ashaolu strained his calf and managed to score 10 in 22 minutes while Blackwater’s Jaylen Bond, bothered by a groin injury, posted two in what could possibly be his farewell outing for the Bossing (0-5).

Jeron Teng added 14 while Rob Herndon and former Blackwater Mike Tolomia chipped in 12 apiece for Jeff Cariaso’s squad.