MANILA — With their last-place finish in the Philippine Cup now a distant memory, the Meralco Bolts roared to their third straight win and tightened their grip of solo first place in the standings after defeating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98-95, Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. US college standout and now Meralco import Arinze Onuaku exploded for 31 points and 27 boards in over 38 minutes of play, totally dominating his matchup with Rain or Shine's comebacking import Wayne Chism, who scored just 3 points in less than 16 minutes of action. Jared Dillinger came off the bench to add 16 points while Cliff Hodge chipped in with 12 markers and 7 boards for Meralco. With Chism just a shadow of his former explosive self last season, the Painters had no answer to Meralco's Onuaku as they absorbed their first loss after winning their opener. Rookie Maverick Ahanmisi led ROS with 19 points and six rebounds. Jericho Cruz and JR Quinahan added 15 apiece while Gabe Norwood chipped in with 12 markers. Phoenix 118, NLEX 106 PBA newcomer Phoenix Fuel Masters debuted in the league with a rousing 118-106 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors. Phoenix, formerly Barako Bull, was led by RR Garcia who scored 33 points, including six three-pointers. Import Kenny Adeleke was also impressive in his first game in the league, finishing with a huge double-double of 18 points and 20 rebounds. JC Intal also had an explosive first game for Phoenix, posting 17 points, including four triples. Mac Baracael added 15 markers. NLEX import Al Thornton, who scored 50 points against Ginebra in his team's first game last Friday, finished with a game-high 27 points. The Road Warriors had a roaring start and were still in the lead by seven points in the second quarter. But then the Fuel Masters suddenly caught fire, sparking a 20-10 run, as Phoenix took the lead at the half, 50-47. Garcia then went on a scoring spree in the third quarter, pouring in a whopping 19 points in the period, including a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, as Phoenix erected an 11-point lead, 82-71. NLEX clawed their way back in the fourth with Thornton scoring eight of the team's first 10 points in the period, cutting Phoenix's lead to just four points, 104-100, with 4:04 remaining in the game. But the Fuel Masters doused the NLEX rally with another flurry of shots from Willy Wilson, Intal and Garcia as Phoenix pulled away, 111-100, thus sealing the victory. Games Friday: Alaska Aces (0-0) vs. Blackwater Elite (1-1) and Talk N Text Tropang Texters (1-1) vs. GlobalPort Batang Pier (1-1).
