MERALCO looks to build on its winning start for 2025 when the Bolts clash with sister team TNT in the main game of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.Game time is at 7:30 p.m.The 5 p.m. curtain raiser features Phoenix (1-5) and winless Terrafirma (0-7).The Bolts snapped a two-game slide after subduing Eastern, 88-83, in a defense-oriented match, marking the resumption of the tournament after a long Holiday break last Sunday.Mentored by coach Luigi Trillo, Meralco will take on a TNT side that is coming off a long 18-day respite or since its 109-93 rout of Blackwater.The Bolts are slowly getting back into full strength since welcoming the return of veteran guard Chris Banchero, big man Raymond Almazan, rookie CJ Cansino and sophomore backup slot man Brandon Bates.'I thought our guys were tough today, chasing off screens, bigs having to stay high, execute our pick-and-roll defense, and having to move back and defend,' said Trillo, shortly after Meralco shocked Eastern.Import Akil Mitchell was a tower of strength for the Bolts with 31 points and 14 rebounds.Trillo hopes the tough encounter against Eastern could serve them in good stead, knowing that it builds the needed character for the players.While NorthPort lords it over the tournament with its 6-1 record, no team has a clear shot at the moment for the top 2, which guarantees a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.And that is enough motivation for Meralco and TNT.The Tropang Giga will have do-it-all import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, veterans Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana taking the lead, along with Rey Nambatac.* * *STANDINGS: Nport 6-1, Converge 6-2, Eastern 6-3, Ginebra 5-2, RoS 4-1, Meralco 4-2, SMB 3-3, NLEX 3-4, TNT 2-2, Magnolia 2-5, Phoenix 1-5, Blackwater 1-5, Terrafirma 0-7
