The Meralco Bolts have surged into early contention in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, putting together an impressive 4–1 record that currently places them second in the standings. Their strong start continued on Tuesday, April 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where they held off a late rally from TNT Tropang Giga to secure a hard-earned 110–106 victory.
Facing a TNT side reinforced by former NBA talent Bol Bol, Meralco appeared in full control for much of the contest. The Bolts built a commanding lead that ballooned to as much as 20 points, showcasing fluid ball movement and efficient scoring. However, the Tropang Giga mounted a fierce comeback in the latter stages, capitalizing on momentum swings and key possessions to narrow the gap and threaten an upset.
Despite the late-game pressure, Meralco maintained its composure down the stretch, with import Marvin Jones leading the charge. Jones delivered a standout performance, finishing with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists. His presence on both ends of the floor proved decisive, particularly as TNT intensified its comeback bid.
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Jones outshone his high-profile counterpart Bol Bol, not only with his scoring output but also through his leadership and adherence to a team-first approach. His impact was complemented by a strong showing from CJ Cansino, who chipped in 19 points, providing timely baskets that helped steady Meralco during crucial stretches. Veteran big man Raymond Almazan also made his presence felt with 12 points, contributing to the Bolts’ interior stability.
After the game, Jones emphasized the importance of team play over individual matchups, reflecting a philosophy shaped by his extensive experience overseas.
#WATCH: HE’S LIKE THE FAN FAVORITE HERE 🏀
Marvin Jones relished his matchup against Bol Bol#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/rbRYcZb8Xg
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— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 7, 2026
“That’s just the mentality every game, you go out, you play a team game. I don’t make it about a one-on-one match, I don’t know how to play basketball that way. I’m used to playing a team game like in Europe. You share the ball, you move the ball and that’s the philosophy here,” Jones said in the postmatch press conference.
Meralco’s near-collapse after building a sizable lead was not lost on Jones, who acknowledged the natural ebb and flow of the game and the resilience of their opponents.
“That’s what happens when you get up 16, 18, 20 points, you start to play a little bit uncomfortable, the other team is under pressure, so they made some shots, they made a run and you’d expect it. It’s a 48-minute game, they got some foul calls down there, but that was kind of iffy, but we came out with the win,” he added.
Jones, who has built a well-traveled professional career across various European leagues, continues to adjust to the PBA style of play. His seamless transition has been a major boost for Meralco, especially after the team opted to bring him in instead of retaining former import Ismael Romero.
“It’s my first time playing in Asia so I didn’t know all the backstory of TNT being the defending champion. I just try to play the game the right way and win every game. But it’s good to see everybody, energy is high and it felt good,” Jones concluded.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Bolts will look to sustain their strong form as they prepare for their next assignment. They are set to face guest team Macau Black Knights on Saturday, April 11, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, in what promises to be another crucial test of their early-season credentials.
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