Bolts dismantle Dyip in 42-point beatdown

MANILA, Philippines -- The Meralco Bolts blasted cellar-dwellers Terrafirma Dyip by 42 points, 124-82, in the PBA Governors’ Cup action Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Alvin Pasaol sparked the Bolts’ wire-to-wire win with 21 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes of play. CJ Cansino added 15 markers, thred dimes, two steals and two boards.

It was an easy win for Meralco, which led by as much as 33 points in the first half, 62-29, as they dominated from both inside and outside.

This continued on in the final two quarters, with the 42-point spread the largest of the night.

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Meralco’s 42-point win is the biggest margin in franchise history.

It is also the worst loss for Terrafirma since an 84-135 whooping at the hands of Phoenix back in the 2022-23 Commissioners’ Cup.

Allen Durham finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, along with three assists and two steals.

Raymar Jose and Brandon Bates chipped in 12 and 11, respectively.

Antonio Hester finished with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds for Terrafirma, who came off a stunning win over defending champions TNT Tropang Giga a couple of days ago.

Louie Sangalang added 17, while rookies Didat Hanapi and Paolo Hernandez produced 12 and 11, respectively.

Meralco shot a total of 56.2% from the field, making 50 of their 89 attempts. On the other hand, the Dyip was held to just 28-of-74 shooting, good for 37.8%.

The Bolts ended their elimination round with a 7-3 win-loss record, while Terrafirma tallied a 1-9 slate.