Meralco Bolts import DJ Kennedy throughout a PBA Commissioner’s Cup sport. –PBA IMAGES
DJ Kennedy is glad to be given the possibility to go well with up as a short lived import of Meralco within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as he provides authentic decide Akil Mitchell the time to recuperate from a damaged nostril.
For Kennedy, whose 32 factors, six rebounds and 4 assists propelled the Bolts to a 96-91 win over the Terrafirma Dyip at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, he’s high quality with doing double duties if that advantages the primary activity he signed up for to start with.
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“They’re giving me a chance to get a rhythm, to get some circulation not solely within the PBA, however within the EASL,” stated Kennedy after bucking first-half struggles and foul bother to assist the Bolts get an enormous lead, then arrange the go that allowed Jansen Rios to hit an open three that prevented a shock loss to the winless Dyip.
Kennedy was thrust into the PBA scene after Mitchell acquired damage barely 15 seconds into Sunday’s victory over Rain or Shine when he acquired hit by a difficult Keith Datu.
Whereas coach Luigi Trillo bared that Mitchell might come again prior to later, Meralco opted to go together with Kennedy, who’s one in every of three reinforcements within the East Asia Tremendous League together with Mitchell and naturalized participant Ange Kouame.
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Meralco was mum on the way it will strategy its import state of affairs for the succeeding video games of the event, however Kennedy is supportive of no matter determination the Bolts administration would make.
“Whoever they determine with, I’ll assist it,” he stated. “I really like the chance to play [more], however like I stated, I’ll be supportive both approach.”
Meralco improved to an ideal 3-0 file regardless of the harm state of affairs because the Bolts seized a share of the lead with idle NorthPort.
Chris Newsome added 15 factors, 9 rebounds, eight assists and three steals to assist in the win.
Almost blew it
The Bolts, nonetheless, virtually squandered a positive win because the Dyip battled again behind new import Brandon Edwards and Vic Manuel.
Edwards had 21 factors and 13 rebounds in a efficiency that was an enormous distinction to the awful Ryan Richards. However he missed a possible go-ahead basket that arrange Rios’ triple that broke a 91-all tie with 9 seconds left.
Manuel turned the ball over off the inbounds that might have allowed him to attain an open basket on the subsequent play, and the Dyip fell to 0-4.
Manuel completed with 13 factors, eight within the fourth, and his confidence continues to develop after accidents and an absence of enjoying time marred his remaining conferences with the San Miguel Beermen. INQ
