Bolts spoil return of Gilas players

Games today:

Mall of Asia Arena

6 p.m.- San Mig Coffee vs. Petron

3:45 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Air21

MERALCO spoiled the return of three key Talk ‘N Text Text players as the Bolts grounded the skidding Tropang Texters, 92-86, last night in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

National team players Ranidel de Ocampo, Larry Fonacier and Jayson Castro finally suited up for Talk ‘N Text after sitting out the first two games but the Texters still failed to beat the Bolts largely because of Mario West’s offensive explosion.

West erupted for a game-high 47 points to help the Bolts snap a two-game slide and improve to 2-2 (win-loss).

Cliff Hodge also turned in big numbers for the Bolts as he scored 18 points on top of 15 rebounds. Rey Guevarra was the third Bolts in double figure with 12.

Tony Mitchell paced the Texters with 32 markers.

Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo marked their return to the team with a combined 31 points.

While Castro and Fonacier put in their usual numbers with 18 and 11 points, respectively, De Ocampo struggled mightily and settled for just two points as the Texters slumped to 1-2. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA