The Meralco Bolts flexed their muscles early with a 22-point blowout victory over NorthPort Batang Pier, 85-63, in their first match of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Pasig.
The Bolts’ newcomer Mac Belo had a strong output leading the team with 27 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Allein Maliksi came off the bench providing 14 points and six boards.
On the other side, Sydney Onwubere was the top scorer for NorthPort doing 13 points along with six rebounds. Robert Bolick is showing some rust converting just 21% of his 19 attempts to finish the game with 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
Jamie Malonzo flirted with a double-double of 9 points and nine rebounds in his rookie debut for Batang Pier while Alvin Pasaol of Meralco contributed 5 points, three assists and two rebounds in 14 minutes.
The Bolts will have a day of rest before testing the healthy San Miguel Beermen this coming Sunday, July 18. NorthPort will return to action on Wednesay, July 21 to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters next.
