Red-hot Meralco import explodes on offense, leads Bolts to win over struggling Petron

Game today:

Iloilo City

6:30 p.m.- Globalport vs. Talk ‘N Text

Eric Dawson is often compared with NBA superstar Kevin Durant because of their similar looks.

Dawson came up with a performance that his look-alike is known for as he erupted for 57 points to lead the Meralco Bolts to a 102-92 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters last night in the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Dawson’s output was the most made by any player in the league since Derek Brown scattered 57 in leading the defunct Sta. Lucia Realtors to a 120-99 win over the San Miguel Beermen in April 25, 2005.

Dawson has actually been on fire of late as he averages 34 points in his last two games.

Dawson’s offensive explosion helped the Bolts bolster their top four finish as they tied the Boosters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings for the third to fifth spots with identical 6-5 (win-loss) records.

The Meralco import added 14 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks, outplaying Petron’s debuting import Henry Sims.

Dawson capped his stirring performance by teaming up Reynel Hugnatan in a 12-2 run in the closing minutes that saw the Bolts turn a shaky 79-78 lead to a sizable 91-80 advantage in the final four minutes.

The loss spoiled the debut Sims, who tallied 23 markers.

Mac Cardona and Hugnatan were the best local scorers for Meralco with 13 markers each.