In what turned out to be a nail-biting showdown, the Meralco Bolts edged out the Magnolia Hotshots, 78-76, on October 19, 2025, handing them their first loss of the Philippine Cup season. What made the win more impressive was the performance of CJ Cansino, who stepped up in the most crucial moments of the game and delivered when it mattered the most.

Meralco started off the game with energy and control, racing to a big lead early in the match. At one point, they were up by as many as 18 points, showing dominance on both ends of the floor. However, Magnolia was not about to go down without a fight. Led by a young core and guided by new head coach LA Tenorio, the Hotshots slowly chipped away at the lead, eventually tying the game and even threatening to take it in the final quarter.

But with the game hanging in the balance, it was Cansino who rose to the occasion. Scoring 12 of his total 23 points in the fourth quarter, he proved that he could be relied on under pressure. His go-ahead basket with just over half a minute left gave Meralco the lead, and his defensive stop in the final seconds — a clean block on Magnolia’s last attempt — sealed the victory.

What makes Cansino’s performance even more remarkable is the poise and maturity he showed. Not only did he hit the big shots, but he also contributed across the board with rebounds and shot-blocking. For a player still finding his place in the league, this was a clear breakout moment.

For Meralco, the win was much-needed. After a rough start to the conference, they’ve now picked up three straight victories, gaining momentum and confidence along the way. More importantly, they showed that they could hold their composure even when the game gets tight.

On the other side, this was Magnolia’s first loss with LA Tenorio at the helm. The team had opened the conference strong, winning their first two games. This game, however, exposed some of their areas for improvement — particularly in late-game decision-making and execution. While young talents like Jerom Lastimosa and Zavier Lucero showed potential, they also committed costly mistakes in crunch time.

Still, this matchup felt less like a disappointment for Magnolia and more like a reality check. Every team, no matter how talented, will face challenges. The key will be how they respond moving forward.

As for CJ Cansino, this game could be the start of something bigger. His performance didn’t just help Meralco win — it may have signaled the rise of a new clutch performer in the league. If he continues on this trajectory, the Bolts could have a true game-changer on their hands.

In the end, this tightly contested game had everything: momentum swings, standout individual performances, and a dramatic finish. And as the dust settles, one thing is clear — CJ Cansino’s name is one to watch moving forward in this PBA season.