Meralco defeats Talk ‘N Text for first time in franchise history

PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

The Meralco Bolts waited six conferences and two years for this to happen.

Champ Oguchi, a last-minute replacement import, delivered big while Sol Mercado was a picture of consistency all game long as the Bolts defeated the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 105-99, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

It was the first win by the Bolts over the Tropang Texters in six conferences.

Ryan Gregorio and his boys saw the perfect opportunity to finally defeat the Tropang Texters, a powerhouse unit the past few years, whose line up has been decimated by injuries at the start of the season-ending conference.

“It was an enormous break for us. The champs were playing with five of their main players out so we have to find ways to win. We take this win any way we can,” said Gregorio during the post-game interview.

Oguchi, the third import asked by the Bolts to come here and become the team’s reinforcement, finished with 29 points, built around three triples.

The comebacking import also contributed 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Mercado also made huge contributions, adding 24 markers, six rebounds and two steals.

Meralco, however, cannot celebrate this early as the team has three tough matches lined up for them – Petron Blaze on Saturday, Barangay Ginebra on June 2 and B-MEG on June 6.

But Gregorio remains unperturbed.

“I’m looking at it on a positive side. If we were able to win over Talk ‘N Text, I think we can pull off surprises against any of these powerhouse teams in our next games,” he added.

The scores:

Meralco (105) – Oguchi 29, Mercado 24, Cardona 15, Hugnatan 12, Taulava 9, Artadi 8, Macapagal 4, Ross 3, Reyes 1.

Talk ‘N Text (99) – Harris 32, De Ocampo 17, Aban 13, Peek 11, Raymundo 9, Fonacier 9, Dillinger 8, Gamalinda 0, Aguilar 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 22-28; 54-52; 83-78; 105-99.

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