The Meralco Bolts B-Boys came out triumphant in their first-ever road game, hacking out a
come-from-behind 83-71 win over the Alaska Milk Aces in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Victorias City
Sports and Amusement Center in Victorias, Negros Occidental Saturday night.

“It’s a monster victory for us. We fought hard, did not give up and were rewarded with our
effort,” said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio.

“We dug deep into our hearts and made the impossible possible. Defense was the key and we scored
enough to win,” Gregorio added.

Newly-acquired rookie Hans Thiele and newly-activated Chris Pacana had significant contributions
playing their first game in a Meralco uniform and so did Asi Taulava in playing his last game with
the team before joining Smart Gilas Pilipinas in its campaign in the Guangzhou Asian Games.

The whole team really persevered in the continued absence of injured top gun Macmac Cardona,
enabling them to stun the Aces for their third win against five losses.

The B-Boys checked a two-game slump with a stirring come-from-behind victory in this game serving
as another leg of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour.

Five Meralco players scored in double figures as they overcame a 14-point deficit and sent the Aces
reeling to a fourth straight defeat.

Thiele debuted with Meralco with 11 points as the undrafted rookie – recruited by the B-Boys from
Barako Bull in exchange for Dennis Daa – helped the team get back on the winning track halfway
through the elimination phase of the all-Filipino tourney.

“Thiele was a key addition to us. Hopefully after tonight’s victory, our confidence level
stabilizes that yes, we can compete,” said Gregorio.

Chris Ross topscored with 16 points with Gabby Espinas adding 14, Taulava 12 and Beau Belga 10.

The Aces remained on a slump as they faded away at the finish.

The B-Boys shattered a 67-all deadlock and built a commanding 79-67 spread as the Aces went
scoreless for six minutes.

It was another sorry loss for the Aces, who in this game, dominated in the early goings only to
squander a 55-41 advantage.

Alaska has been struggling on the road in the last five seasons, having lost 27 of its last 34
games. (SB)

The scores:

Meralco 83 - Ross 16, Espinas 14, Taulava 12, Thiele 11, Belga 10, Omolon 9, Menor 6, Pacana 5,
Aljamal 0, Aquino 0, Arao 0.

Alaska 71 - De Vance 21, Thoss 12, Baguio 10, Tenorio 7, Dela Cruz 6, Eman 4, Hugnatan 4, Custodio
4, Borboran 2, Espiritu 1.

Quarterscores: 13-12, 27-35, 61-62, 83-71