Ilonggo Anjo Caram steps up for Meralco in crucial win

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Ilonggo point guard Anjo Caram showed why he is deserving of that roster spot head coach Norman Black gave him with the Meralco Bolts.

With key players Cliff Hodge, Chris Newsome, and Raymar Jose missing in their game against the Terrafirma Dyip, the former St. Joseph School in Iloilo superstar stepped up to the challenge.

Caram provided the extra punch Meralco needed to grab the crucial win over the Dyip, 95-83, and helped his team improve to 6-2 and a solo second-spot in the PBA rankings.

When Aaron Black went out of the game in the first two minutes due to a hand injury, coach Black immediately put in his veteran pesky guard and was hoping to get the most out of him, which he did.

Caram not only played his signature defensive game but also posted an all-around game after finishing with 13 points, five assists, three steals, and one rebound.

“I’m really happy for Anjo stepping in and playing great for us today, and being the best player,” said the veteran Meralco head tactician.

During the past two years with the Bolts, Caram’s minutes went down when Meralco decided to put Nards Pinto and Aaron Black as their primary ball-handlers.

The Ilonggo’s playing time had to go down to just 10 minutes and 20 seconds per game but has always shown valuable contribution whenever he is playing on the court.

With another tough battle against the Blackwater Bossing today, Black and the rest of the Bolts’ coaching staff will look to field Caram if Black remains out due to injury.