BRIGHT START

Meralco beats Phoenix after trailing by 23

- By OLMIN LEYBA

After a scoring party by Phoenix in the first half, Meralco returned to its defensive roots after the break to turn the tide and avoid the blushes.

And with a high-voltage closeout capped by Akil Mitchell's go-ahead one-hander, the Bolts rallied past the Fuel Masters, 111-109, to get their PBA Commissioner's Cup bid off to a winning start last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

It was a tale of two halves for the reigning Philippine Cup titlists, who trailed by as many as 23 in the second canto before summoning back their old form in the final 24 minutes.