Meralco Bolts lose to skidding GlobalPort Batang Pier in 39th PBA Philippine Cup

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

3:00 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Air21

5:15 p.m.- Alaska vs. Petron

The Meralco Bolts had an impressive outing against an erstwhile unbeaten opponent the last time out.

Power shortage however struck the Bolts against a skidding squad as they bowed to the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 89-93, last night in the 39th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The primary focus was supposed to be on Gary David, who played against his former team for the first time since being traded in the off-season.

But stealing the show was Sol Mercado, who put on his own show against his former squad as he exploded for a game-high 33 markers to help the Batang Pier snap a two-game slide and improve to 2-2 (win-loss).

Mercado teamed up with Jay Washington in a 29-18 tear in the third period that saw the Batang Pier seizing control after trailing at the bend, 37-46.

Mercado also had nine rebounds and five assists, while Washington piled up 27 markers.

David and Mike Cortez both scored 18 points for the Bolts, who failed to get a good follow-up of its surprising 100-87 win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

The Bolts slid to 2-3.

BOX SCORES:

GLOBALPORT (93)- Mercado 33, Washington 27, Garcia 12, Lingganay 6, Hayes 4, Romeo 4, Salvador 4, Yee 3, Menk 0, Nabong 0, Chua 0, Belencion 0, Salva 0.

MERALCO (89)- David 18, Cortez 18, Salvacion 15, Dillinger 13, Wilson 11, Al-Hussaini 7, Allado 7, Caram 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.QUARTERSCORES: 21-22, 37-46, 66-64, 93-89.