Meralco forward Ranidel de Ocampo thwarts an attempt by Blackwater import William Walker for a basket during their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup game last night at the Mall of Asia Arena (Story below). ROMAN PROSPERO Meralco routed also-ran Blackwater, 102-75, to punch a quarterfinal ticket in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After erecting a nine-point lead at the end of first period, 24-15, the Bolts pressed on the switch in the second canto to outscore the hapless Elite, 35-15, and build a commanding 59-30 lead at halftime.

It was all Meralco from there as it stretched the gap to as many as 41 points, 95-54, midway through the payoff period en route to the emphatic victory.

With the win, Meralco improved to 6-2 win-loss card to formally join Rain or Shine, Alaska and Talk ‘N Text in the next round.

Blackwater, meanwhile, remains in the cellar with a 1-9 slate.

“I thought my guys played with a sense of urgency tonight,” said Meralco coach Norman Black, noting that leaders Rain or Shine, Alaska and Talk ‘N Text are set to be their last three assignments.

“It was a must-win situation for us, especially since we have a tough schedule in our remaining games.”

Black said their goal is to beat Alaska on Sunday.

“The goal is to beat Alaska,” he said. “Everybody is trying to reach the top two. But for now, we’re just trying to beat the teams ahead of us.”

Five Meralco players emerged with double figures with import Arinze Onuaku leading the way with 17 points and 16 rebounds.

Anjo Caram delivered 13 of the Bolts’ 49 bench points while Cliff Hodge, KG Canaleta and Jared Dillinger delivered 12, 11 and 10 markers, respectively.

Reinforcement Henry Walker played through a shoulder injury to finish with 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals on a losing cause.

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