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Tag: CJ Cansino

  • Meralco’s Luigi Trillo backs CJ Cansino to become a complete two-way player

    Meralco’s Luigi Trillo backs CJ Cansino to become a complete two-way player

    CJ Cansino has quickly developed into one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s brightest young talents, emerging as a key figure for the Meralco Bolts since joining the franchise in 2024.

     

    Known for his relentless energy, scoring ability, and fearless approach on offense, the 26-year-old shooting guard has become an integral part of Meralco’s core. His rise has not gone unnoticed, with Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo praising not only Cansino’s production on the court but also the professionalism and work ethic he brings behind the scenes.

     

    While Cansino has established himself as one of the team’s most dependable offensive weapons, Trillo believes the next step in his development lies on the defensive end of the floor.

     

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    “He is very coachable. I remember when I got mad at him and some players have ego, but CJ doesn’t have that. Can he improve defensively? I think he can. He has gained 20 pounds in the offseason. I don’t think people noticed that. That alone, shows how committed he is,” Trillo said during a media interaction.

     

    The added muscle is a reflection of Cansino’s commitment to improving every aspect of his game. His physical transformation is expected to help him become more effective in defending bigger and stronger opponents while also allowing him to withstand the demands of a long PBA season.

    Although Cansino has made significant strides offensively, his defensive shortcomings became evident during Meralco’s semifinal series against the TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Tasked with guarding two of the league’s premier perimeter threats in Jordan Heading and Roger Pogoy, Cansino faced one of the toughest assignments of his young career.

     

    Heading’s shooting and Pogoy’s all-around offensive game consistently tested Meralco’s perimeter defense throughout the series, exposing areas where Cansino can still grow as an individual defender. Despite the difficult matchup, the coaching staff views the experience as a valuable learning opportunity rather than a setback.

     

    For Trillo, Cansino’s willingness to accept coaching and improve gives him confidence that the young guard can eventually become a complete two-way player.

     

    “He still needs to know how to win in the league, and that’s where some of the veterans come in, but he has been amazing. For him to be respected and to be a leader, he really needs to elevate his defense. Once he starts to get his own there, then he gets to be the voice of the locker room. Right now, he is in line with the vets and I’m very proud of what he has done but the sky’s the limit for this guy,” he added.

     

    Beyond his offensive production, Trillo believes Cansino possesses the qualities needed to become one of Meralco’s future leaders. However, earning that status requires more than scoring points. Becoming a reliable defender and embracing the responsibilities that come with being a two-way player are crucial steps in his evolution.

     

    At 26 years old, Cansino remains in the prime developmental stage of his career. With an improved physique, a strong work ethic, and a coaching staff that believes in his potential, the former collegiate standout has positioned himself to take another leap in the coming seasons.

     

    If he can translate his offseason work into consistent defensive performances, Cansino could elevate not only his individual game but also his standing as one of the PBA’s premier guards. For Meralco, that progression could prove vital as the Bolts continue their pursuit of another championship.

     

     

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  • CJ Cansino played through a nose fracture to lead Meralco to Game 4 semis win over TNT

    CJ Cansino played through a nose fracture to lead Meralco to Game 4 semis win over TNT

    Sophomore guard CJ Cansino rose to the occasion in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, knocking down a clutch four-point shot in the final minutes to power the Meralco Bolts to a crucial 101-90 victory over TNT Tropang Giga in Game 4 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    With the win, the Bolts evened the best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2 and regained momentum heading into the pivotal Game 5 showdown.

     

    Cansino delivered the dagger at the most critical point of the contest. Meralco appeared in control for most of the fourth quarter, but TNT mounted a late rally behind veteran sniper Roger Pogoy, whose corner triple sliced the Bolts’ once-comfortable 11-point advantage down to just three points, 93-90, with under two minutes remaining.

     

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    As the Tropang Giga threatened to complete the comeback, Meralco turned to its young guard for a response.

     

    With the shot clock winding down and a defender draped all over him, Cansino calmly launched a booming 27-foot four-pointer from well beyond the arc. The ball swished through the net with 1:21 left on the clock, igniting the crowd and restoring Meralco’s breathing room at 97-90.

     

    The clutch basket effectively crushed TNT’s momentum and sealed one of Meralco’s biggest wins of the conference.

     

    Cansino finished with 17 points, more than doubling his 8.3-point scoring average through the first three games of the series. Beyond the numbers, however, it was the toughness and resilience he displayed throughout the game that stood out most.

    The 26-year-old guard suited up despite suffering a fractured nose earlier in the series, forcing him to wear a protective face mask during the contest. According to Cansino, the injury happened during Game 1 after an accidental hit from teammate Jordan Heading.

     

    “Nung Game 1 namin, fourth quarter ata ‘yun nung tinamaan ako ni Jordan Heading sa corner. So doon siya nakuha. May fracture daw,” Cansino said during the postgame press conference.

     

    Adjusting to the protective mask was far from easy, especially with the tight turnaround between games. Still, the versatile guard made sure to put in the necessary work to adapt.

     

    “Kasi nung umpisa sobrang struggling. Kasi hindi kami nakapag-practice one day lang pagitan ng mga games. So talagang pinag-decide ko kung gagamitin ko ba o hindi. So nag-reps nalang ako sa practice ng marami talaga. As in every day nag-rereps ako hanggang masanay ako. And then masasabi ko makakatulong naman ‘yun,” he added.

     

    Despite the discomfort, Cansino ultimately chose to keep wearing the mask, believing it allowed him to play his usual aggressive style without worrying too much about aggravating the injury.

     

    “Mahirap kasi kapag hindi ko ginamit baka mas mailang ako na hindi maging physical kasi iingatan ko yung ilong ko. So sabi ko sanayin ko nalang na may mask. Well ‘yun nga ‘yung sabi, mag-mask ako para gumaling ‘yung fracture. So kapag tinamaan siya ulit kasi, ma-dislocate at kailangan na siya operahan,” Cansino concluded.

     

    Cansino’s fearless performance provided a major spark for Meralco, which showed poise down the stretch after allowing TNT to creep back into the game. His timely four-point conversion not only highlighted his confidence under pressure but also underscored the depth and composure the Bolts have relied on throughout the semifinals.

     

    Now with the series tied at two games apiece, all eyes shift to Game 5 on Friday, May 29, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meralco will look to ride the momentum of its Game 4 victory, while TNT hopes to quickly regroup in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested semifinal battle.

     

    If Cansino continues to provide the same energy, toughness, and clutch shot-making, the Bolts may have found the x-factor capable of swinging the series in their favor.

     

     

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  • CJ Cansino hits big 4-pointer as Meralco downs TNT to tie semis series at 2-2 

    CJ Cansino hits big 4-pointer as Meralco downs TNT to tie semis series at 2-2 

    Sophomore guard CJ Cansino drilled a clutch four-point shot in the final minutes to help the Meralco Bolts stave off a late TNT rally and secure a 101-90 victory, tying the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at 2-2 on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    With Meralco’s 11-point lead trimmed down to just three, 93-90, following a corner triple by TNT’s Roger Pogoy, Cansino launched a booming 27-foot four-pointer under heavy defensive pressure. The shot found the bottom of the net with 1:21 remaining, stretching the lead to 97-90 and effectively halting the Tropang Giga’s comeback attempt.

     

    Cansino finished the match with 17 points, a significant jump from his 8.3-point average over the first three games of the series.

     

    “Mas natuto lang kami sa past games namin. And ‘yung composure namin mas kailangan pa… diinan pa, kasi ganu’n palagi nagiging problema namin eh,” said Cansino after the game.

     

    The Bolts closed out the game on an 8-0 run, highlighted by a putback from Javee Mocon and a driving layup by Cliff Hodge, keeping TNT scoreless for the remainder of the contest. The win turns the all-MVP Group matchup into a virtual best-of-three series.

     

    The strong finish also handed new Meralco import Patrick Gardner a victorious debut. The American-Egyptian forward anchored the Bolts with a double-double of 20 points, including three three-pointers, and 13 rebounds before fouling out of the game with 3:26 left on the clock.

     

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    Head coach Luigi Trillo credited his team’s focus after losing their reinforcement down the stretch.

     

    “They found their rhythm there, even with Patrick fouling out,” Trillo said. “I thought we did a good job as a team keeping our poise not only on offense but defense as well.”

     

    Meralco displayed balanced scoring across the board. Mocon recorded his own double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Aaron Black chipped in 12 markers, and Chris Newsome added 11 points to provide solid offensive support.

     

    The Bolts’ defensive effort spoiled the PBA comeback of TNT’s new import Chris McCullough. The former champion with San Miguel led the Tropang Giga with 24 points and nine rebounds but struggled from the floor, shooting just 7-of-22.

     

    Jordan Heading contributed 15 points for TNT, while Pogoy and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser tallied 14 apiece. Calvin Oftana rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Tropa with 10 points.

     

    Game 5 of the series is scheduled for Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. 

     

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  • CJ Cansino leads Meralco’s top four push in PBA Commissioner’s Cup  

    CJ Cansino leads Meralco’s top four push in PBA Commissioner’s Cup  

    For CJ Cansino, the numbers tell one story—but the bigger picture is about something deeper taking shape within the Meralco Bolts.

     

    The Bolts’ 108-93 win over Blackwater Bossing on Sunday didn’t just improve their record to 7-3. It also kept Meralco firmly in the hunt for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage as the elimination round nears its conclusion.

     

    For Cansino, that opportunity carries personal weight.

     

    “I’m always motivated naman pero siyempre, iba pa rin ’yong feeling na lagi kang nananalo. Since dumating ako dito, ’di kami nakakapasok sa top four,” he said.

     

    “Ngayon, sobrang important nito sa’kin. Nagbubuild ng culture ‘yong Meralco at kasama ako do’n kaya sobrang motivated ako.”

     

    That culture shift has coincided with Cansino’s growing role in the team.

     

    Against Blackwater, the former University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines standout once again provided steady production with 12 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists. While it wasn’t his biggest scoring night, it reflected the all-around impact he has consistently delivered this conference.

     

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    Through nine games, Cansino is currently Meralco’s leading local scorer, averaging 17.6 points per game. His influence goes beyond raw scoring numbers, with a 27.5 usage rate—an advanced metric that tracks how often a player is directly involved in offensive possessions—ranking among the highest on the team.

     

    That workload highlights just how much responsibility has been placed on his shoulders.

    Rather than fading under that pressure, Cansino has embraced it, emerging as one of the Bolts’ most dependable offensive options while already collecting three Player of the Game citations in crucial wins.

     

    As of posting, Meralco remains third in the standings behind NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, with one final push left to secure a playoff edge.

     

    Next up is Terrafirma Dyip on Friday, a game that could further strengthen the Bolts’ grip on a top-four finish.

     

    For Cansino, though, the mission goes beyond standings and statistics.

     

    Meralco is trying to establish itself as more than just a playoff team—it is trying to become a consistent contender. And with Cansino taking on a heavier offensive burden while buying into that vision, the Bolts are inching closer to that identity.

     

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  • Meralco’s Go-To Guy?: CJ Cansino steps up as the Bolts’ emerging leader

    Meralco’s Go-To Guy?: CJ Cansino steps up as the Bolts’ emerging leader

    Is CJ Cansino the new face of Meralco? Four wins into their campaign, the Bolts are beginning to lean on a different kind of spark—one that has steadily grown from promising scorer to reliable centerpiece. And Cansino is making sure the spotlight finds him.

     

    He has already collected three Player of the Game honors in Meralco’s four victories this conference, a stretch that underscores both his consistency and his rising importance to the team.

     

    It all started in their opening statement. Cansino erupted for 23 points and eight rebounds to power Meralco to a 109-88 rout of the Converge FiberXers, immediately setting the tone for what would become a breakout run. He didn’t slow down from there.

     

    In the games that followed, he elevated his play even further—dropping a conference-high 26 points along with six rebounds and six assists in a 118-105 win against Titan Ultra. His ability to impact multiple facets of the game has turned him into a nightly problem for opposing defenses.

     

    Even in tighter contests, Cansino has shown poise beyond his years. Against the Bol Bol-led TNT Tropang Giga, leading the Bolts to a 110-106 win as he scored in crucial stretches. 

     

    The PBA All-Star fired 19 points coupled with 4 rebounds and 4 assists, knocking down timely baskets that kept Meralco afloat when momentum threatened to swing the other way. It’s that composure—more than just numbers—that’s beginning to define his campaign.

     

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    But this rise didn’t begin in the Commissioner’s Cup. Signs of his emergence were already evident during the Philippine Cup, where he averaged a team-leading 18.5 points per game. That run was highlighted by a career-high 36-point explosion in Game 5 of their semifinal series against TNT, a performance that, despite ending in defeat, signaled his readiness for a bigger role.

     

    Consistency became his calling card. Cansino strung together three straight 20-point games in that conference, earning PBA Player of the Week honors for December 10 through 14, after averaging 23.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and shooting an efficient 56 percent from the field while leading Meralco to a perfect 3-0 stretch.

     

    Now, he’s carried that momentum into the current season. Through the ongoing conference, the former UAAP champion with the UP Fighting Maroons is averaging 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, while shooting a blistering 47.1 percent from beyond the arc—numbers that place him among the league’s most efficient and dependable scorers.

     

    What makes Cansino’s rise even more compelling is the journey behind it. His collegiate career never quite followed a smooth trajectory. His most productive season came as a rookie with UST, where he posted 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and nearly four assists per game before an ACL injury abruptly halted his momentum. Yet even then, flashes of brilliance were undeniable.

     

    On his 19th birthday, he made UAAP history as the first rookie in 15 years  to record a triple-double—finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the University of the East. It was a glimpse of the all-around talent that many believed would eventually surface at the next level.

     

    Years later, that potential is no longer theoretical. Across multiple reports and league observations, Cansino’s growth has been attributed to his improved shot selection, confidence in big moments, and a clearer role within Meralco’s system. No longer just a scorer, he has evolved into a dependable two-way contributor capable of carrying stretches of the game.

     

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  • CJ Cansino turns TNT heartbreak into fuel as Meralco escapes with gritty win 

    CJ Cansino turns TNT heartbreak into fuel as Meralco escapes with gritty win 

    CJ Cansino and Meralco came away with more than just a win on Tuesday night. The Bolts leaned on both composure and experience to hold off TNT, 110-106, in a tense PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup showdown at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, turning what looked like a comfortable win into a hard-earned statement against their longtime rivals.

     

    Meralco appeared to be in full control for most of the game. Behind a balanced attack and steady defensive effort, the Bolts built a lead as big as 20 points and looked ready to cruise to victory before TNT came alive in the fourth quarter and made things interesting late.

     

    The Tropang 5G erupted for 35 points in the final frame and unleashed a 12-0 run to cut the deficit to just 107-105 with one minute left.

     

    That late rally forced Meralco to dig deep, and according to Cansino, the game came down to who simply wanted it more in the closing stretch.

     

    “Well yung last minute siguro para sakin, kung sino nalang gusto manalo dun e,” Cansino said after the game.

     

    For Meralco, the urgency also came from memory. The Bolts have gone through their share of painful battles against TNT, and Cansino admitted those experiences were still very much in their minds heading into this latest rivalry clash.

     

    “Alam mo nandun parin yung nangyari sa past experience namin with TNT,” he said.

    That history helped fuel Meralco in the final minutes, especially as TNT threatened to erase everything the Bolts had built.

     

    “‘Yung experience namin in the last series, grabe ang sakit, at ayaw namin maulit. Yung mga nangyari, dala namin sa game,” Cansino added.

     

    Meralco’s defense then came through when it mattered most.

     

    The Bolts forced TNT into difficult late-game possessions, including a crucial stop where they disrupted Bol Bol and prevented Jordan Heading from getting a clean lane, eventually forcing RR Pogoy into an off-balance three-point attempt that came up short.

     

    That kind of connected defense helped Meralco survive and secure its second straight win. Marvin Jones led the way for the Bolts with 29 points and 12 rebounds, providing the inside presence Meralco needed throughout the game.

     

    Cansino, who was later named Player of the Game, backed him up with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in another strong all-around performance.

     

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    Raymond Almazan gave Meralco a lift off the bench with 12 points and five rebounds, while Cliff Hodge chipped in 10 points before fouling out late.

     

    Chris Newsome also delivered in crunch time, sinking two clutch free throws with 14.3 seconds left to stretch the lead to 109-105 and give the Bolts enough cushion to hold off TNT’s final push.

    Bol Bol still finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds for TNT, but it was his lowest output so far this conference.

     

    After averaging 37.3 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks through his first three games, Meralco did enough to make life more difficult for the towering import and keep him from fully taking over.

     

    Jordan Heading also tried to keep TNT alive with 21 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from three-point range, while Calvin Oftana added 10 in the losing effort.

     

    Still, the comeback fell short, snapping TNT’s two-game winning streak and dropping the Tropang 5G to 2-2 in the standings.

     

    For Cansino, Meralco’s strength comes from the way the team shares responsibility instead of relying on one player to carry the load every night.

     

    “Sa Meralco naman di namin sinasabi na ikaw yung mataas yung average, ikaw yung gagawa,” he said.

     

    That approach was clear in Tuesday’s win, as multiple players stepped up in key moments to help Meralco finish the job.

     

    Cansino added that his own mindset is simply to take the shots and opportunities that the game gives him.

     

    “Nasasaktuhan lang na ako yung nalilibre sa time na yon, yung role na yun kung sakin lang bibigay yung mga reads sa game, titira ko,” he said.

     

    In the end, Meralco did not need a perfect finish.

     

    It just needed enough composure, enough stops, and enough trust to finally come out on top in a rivalry game that tested both its nerves and memory.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee, Abarrientos rescue Ginebra as CJ Cansino helps Meralco regain footing in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Justin Brownlee, Abarrientos rescue Ginebra as CJ Cansino helps Meralco regain footing in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos delivered when Barangay Ginebra needed them most, turning a sluggish start into a gutsy comeback that kept the Gin Kings moving in the right direction in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Brownlee shook off a rough opening half and found his rhythm late, while Abarrientos stayed aggressive throughout as Ginebra erased a double-digit deficit and escaped with a 99-93 victory over Converge on Sunday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win pushed the Gin Kings to 2-1 in the conference and highlighted a growing chemistry between their veteran import and rising local guard.

     

    Brownlee finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, overcoming his early struggles by taking command in the closing stretch. Abarrientos backed him up with a conference-high 32 points, along with four assists and three rebounds, giving Ginebra the offensive spark it badly needed.

     

    Troy Rosario quietly played a major role inside, posting a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds while helping stabilize the Gin Kings in a physical battle.

     

    For much of the first half and the early part of the third quarter, Converge looked poised to control the game.

     

    The FiberXers built a lead that reached 10 points and kept Ginebra on the back foot, forcing the Gin Kings to chase the pace. But once Brownlee and Abarrientos began attacking in rhythm, the game shifted.

     

    Back-to-back baskets from the duo, along with timely triples from Nard John Pinto, fueled the turnaround as Ginebra surged ahead, 81-74, after trailing for most of the night.

     

    The FiberXers answered with a run of their own and briefly reclaimed the lead, 93-92, threatening to spoil Ginebra’s comeback. But in the decisive moments, the Gin Kings were steadier.

     

    Rosario and Abarrientos calmly knocked down free throws, and Brownlee delivered the basket that finally gave Ginebra control for good.

     

    Converge leaned on a balanced attack in defeat, with Justine Baltazar leading the way with 20 points. Mikey Williams and MJ Garcia added 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Kylor Kelley turned in a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds.

     

    The loss dropped the FiberXers to 1-4 in the conference. Both teams entered the matchup undermanned.

     

    Ginebra played without Japeth Aguilar, Kemark Carino, and Jayson David, while Converge missed Juan Gomez de Liaño, Calvin Abueva, and Justin Arana.

     

     

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    Earlier in the day, Meralco made sure its response to a disappointing loss was immediate.

     

    After stumbling against an import-less Rain or Shine side last Friday, the Bolts came out sharper and more purposeful, rolling past Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 118-105, to improve to 3-1.

     

    CJ Cansino led the charge with 26 points, setting the tone for a Meralco side that looked determined to reestablish control from the opening quarter.

     

    Import Marvin Jones anchored the interior with 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Kier John Quinto added 15 points. Jason Brickman and Javee Mocon chipped in 13 and 11, respectively, as the Bolts showcased their depth.

     

    Meralco established its grip early, taking a 26-16 lead after one quarter before blowing the game open in the second period. At one point, the Bolts’ advantage ballooned to 28, with their crisp ball movement and transition play overwhelming Titan Ultra.

     

    The Giant Risers made one final charge in the fourth quarter, slicing the gap to 97-89 and briefly injecting some tension into the contest.

     

    But Meralco stayed composed down the stretch, converting from the line and putting the game away with a breakaway dunk from Bong Quinto.

     

    John Bryan Sajonia continued his strong conference with a career-high 29 points for Titan Ultra, while Michael Gilmore added 25 points and 16 rebounds in a losing effort.

     

    Still, the Giant Risers slipped to 1-3 after failing to fully recover from Meralco’s early onslaught.

     

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  • CJ Cansino shows no rust in win, earns praise from Meralco coach Luigi Trillo 

    There was no easing back in for CJ Cansino—only a statement, as he showed no signs of rust in his first game in two months in the PBA.

     

    In his return to action for the Meralco Bolts, Cansino delivered a near-flawless performance, finishing 8-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and a perfect 2-of-2 from four-point range, on his way to 23 points and eight assists. His all-around effort not only powered Meralco but also earned him Player of the Game honors.

     

    It was the kind of outing that immediately caught the attention of head coach Luigi Trillo, who emphasized the team’s collective showing while acknowledging his guard’s hot hand.

     

    “Compliments to Marvin, our import, he played well, CJ was on fire, New played well. Just overall, everybody that got fielded today was able to contribute,” said Trillo.

     

    For Cansino, the performance felt less like a comeback and more like a continuation. The last time he suited up for Meralco was during the East Asia Super League do-or-die clash against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, where he contributed seven points in a lineup anchored by imports Ismael Romero and Justin Brownlee.

     

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    His previous PBA appearance came even earlier—during the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup on January 14, 2026—when he erupted for a career-high 36 points in a losing effort against the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    That stretch underscored his growing importance to the squad, as he averaged 18.5 points, four rebounds, and nearly two assists per game, establishing himself as one of the Bolts’ most dependable scoring options.

     

    Any concerns about rhythm or timing quickly disappeared. Cansino looked comfortable, decisive, and in full control—whether attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots, or creating opportunities for teammates.

     

    More importantly, his return adds another layer to a Meralco side looking to build momentum early in the conference. With contributions coming from across the roster and Cansino picking up right where he left off, the Bolts may have found a key piece ready to elevate their campaign.

     

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  • CJ Cansino laughs off ‘Boyfriend ni Alliana’ tag

    CJ Cansino laughs off ‘Boyfriend ni Alliana’ tag

    In an era where athletes are just as visible online as they are on the hardwood, CJ Cansino is proving he can handle both arenas with the same ease.

     

    The Meralco Bolts guard recently found himself at the center of a lighthearted online joke after several sports pages began referring to him as “boyfriend ni Alliana” — a playful nod to his relationship with lifestyle content creator Alliana Dolina. Instead of brushing it off, Cansino leaned in.

     

    For those who follow the couple, the humor wasn’t surprising. Their relationship has long carried a barkada-like energy — playful, teasing, and rooted in friendship. Whether it’s Alliana posting content or CJ dropping comments underneath, their exchanges often turn into mini comedy skits for fans.

     

    And according to Cansino, that’s exactly how it’s always been.

     

    “Wala naman, parang mag-bestfriend naman talaga kami ni Alliana,” Cansino shared. “Dinala ko na lang sa social media para makita din ng mga tao.”

     

    “Actually ‘yon ‘yong palagi kong ginagawa sa kaniya, eh. Palagi siyang naiinis sa akin,” he said with a laugh. “Pero gano’n naman talaga ‘yong relationship naming dalawa. Talagang inaasar ko siya palagi. Maiinis siya pero maya-maya okay na kasi siguro sanay na din siya sa akin.”

    Soon enough, the basketball world joined the inside joke.

     

    After a strong outing against Magnolia, where Cansino tallied 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks, PBA Rush highlighted his performance with a cheeky caption:

    “GRABE ‘YUNG BOYFRIEND NI ALLIANA!


    CJ Cansino delivers a solid performance for the Meralco Bolts, logging 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup!”

     

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    Rather than shy away from it, Cansino reposted the feature with a witty response of his own:

    “Makapag-caption ‘tong PBA, kala mo ako ‘yung non-showbiz boyfriend.”

     

    Even his birthday wasn’t safe from the running gag. The East Asia Super League chimed in with:

    “Happy birthday pala sa boyfriend ni Alliana!


     ENJOY THE DAY, CJ!


     Wishing to see more half-court bombs in Year 26.”

    Cansino’s answer? “Salamat ha!”

     

    Behind the humor, however, is a player steadily building his identity in Philippine basketball. The former UP Fighting Maroons captain continues to carve out his role with Meralco, letting his game speak just as loudly as the online banter.

     

    If anything, the viral nickname only adds another layer to his public persona — proof that in today’s game, personality and performance can coexist.

     

    On social media, he might be “boyfriend ni Alliana.”

     

    On the court, he’s still CJ Cansino — and he’s making sure people remember that too.

     

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  • Painful lessons fuel CJ Cansino after career-high game turns into loss 

    Painful lessons fuel CJ Cansino after career-high game turns into loss 

    Meralco guard CJ Cansino had just authored the best scoring night of his young PBA career, yet the numbers offered little comfort after the Bolts’ 99–96 Game 5 loss to TNT, a defeat that ended both their semifinal run and Cansino’s first taste of postseason spotlight.

     

    He scored 36 points on an efficient 60-percent clip, a breakout performance that placed him squarely in the center of the moment. But basketball’s cruel timing meant that his misses came when they mattered most, and Meralco’s season slipped away in the final seconds.

     

    “Sobrang regret din. Andun na, e,” said the 26-year-old, still processing how close the Bolts came to extending the series.

     

    The night could have easily ended differently—and Meralco might not have even been in position to steal the win without Cansino’s fourth-quarter explosion. 

     

    He poured in 17 points in the final period, igniting a 20–5 run that erased a double-digit deficit and gave the Bolts a 95–91 lead with just 27 seconds remaining.

     

    For a moment, it looked like a coronation.

     

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    Instead, TNT leaned on its playoff pedigree. Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading delivered under pressure, flipping the script with clutch execution to secure the Tropang 5G’s first Finals berth of the season-opening conference.

     

    The final possessions told the harshest story. Cansino lost the ball on a steal by Heading that led to the go-ahead basket. Moments later, Calvin Oftana blocked his attempt, and on Meralco’s last chance, a forced four-point try failed to connect.

     

    Cansino didn’t shy away from the responsibility.

     

    “Mabigat pero sobrang teaching moments sa akin ito. Laking opportunity na binigay sa akin na matuto ako sa ganitong bagay,” said Meralco’s first-round pick from the Season 49 draft.

     

    For all the regret, there was also clarity. This was Cansino’s first 30-point game in the PBA, achieved on the biggest stage of his career so far, in his first-ever semifinals appearance. The moment exposed both his ceiling—and the work still ahead.

     

    “Hindi man namin nakuha yung panalo, pero on the good side, the positive side, sobrang laking itinuro sa akin ng semis na ito.”

     

    It was a loss that stung deeply, but also one that redefined him. For CJ Cansino, the blood and heartbreak of Game 5 may end up marking the beginning of something bigger rather than the end of a season.

     

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