Meralco import Akil Mitchell in action. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco import Akil Mitchell made up for missed free throws in the clutch as he completed their come-from-behind rally against Phoenix with a floater, 111-109, on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium for their first win in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Phoenix reinforcement Donovan Smith still had one last gasp after a conversion with 16 seconds left in regulation, tying the game at 109-apiece with a jumper.
But Mitchell, with 1.3 seconds left, sank a floater to escape the Super LPG, who led by as much as 23 at the 71-48 mark.
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"I thought Akil also played well, but collectively, just, you know, proud of the guys," said coach Luigi Trillo during the postgame press conference.
The Bolts had a huge turnaround in the final frame, scoring 33 points compared to the Super LPG's 18.
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Mitchell had 27 points, 13 rebounds, and made some work in the defensive side of things with six steals, while Chris Newsome also had 23 points and six assists for Meralco.
Aaron Black had 15 points, and Bong Quinto, who gave the Bolts the first taste the lead in the fourth quarter with a trey, also had 14 for the Meralco offense.
Smith, meanwhile, had a game-high 33 points for the heartbroken Phoenix team, while Kai Ballungay had 18 markers on 6-of-7 shooting.
The Scores:
MERALCO 111 – Mitchell 27, Newsome 23, Black 15, Quinto 14, Caram 10, Rios 8, Hodge 7, Jose 5, Almazan 2, Pasaol 0
PHOENIX 109 – Smith 33, Ballungay 18, Tio 17, Rivero 14, Alejandro 6, Perkins 6, Jazul 6, Manganti 4, Tuffin 3, Verano 2, Ular 0
QUARTERS: 25-36, 54-73, 78-91, 111-109