Meralco’s Allein Maliksi during a PBA on Tour game. –PBA IMAGES
Allein Maliksi made it a memorable homecoming as Meralco defeated Barangay Ginebra, 106-93, in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Maliksi drained 13 of his 23 points in the first quarter, which played a key role in putting the Bolts in control throughout the game despite minor comeback attempts by the Gin Kings throughout the course.
The former Growling Tiger, who played his lone UAAP season in 2009, shot 8 of 16 in the win to bring Meralco’s record in the exhibition series to 5-3.
Meralco prevailed three days after suffering a crushing loss to unbeaten Magnolia, but coach Luigi Trillo felt there were more things to sort out to be consistent.
“As a coach, there are many things, there are many things that we can improve,” said coach Trillo, who will not decide for the rest of the On Tour to attend a seminar and to the NBA Summer League in the United States.
Ginebra’s loss marred Aljon Mariano’s own return to UST, who had eight points, four rebounds and two steals. The Gin Kings are now 4-4.
Maliksi’s hot shot propelled Meralco to a 37-21 lead late in the first period.
Bong Quinto scored 22 points, Cliff Hodge had 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, Franky Johnson used his extended playing time to produce 14 points while Raymond Almazan added 13 points and 12 rebounds for Meralco.
Von Pessumal scored for Ginebra with 26 points but left the game fourth after spraining his left ankle.
Scores:
MERALCO 106—Maliksi 23, Quinto 22, Johnson 14, Hodge 15, Almazan 13, Rios 6, Dario 5, Pascual 4, Jose 2, Torres 2, Pasaol 0.
GINEBRA 93—Pessumal 26, Gray 15, Onwubere 14, David 12, R.Aguilar 8, Mariano 8, Pinto 5, Aurin 3, Gumaru 2, Dillinger 0, Espanola 0.
Quarters: 37-21, 57-46, 91-76, 106-93.
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