CJ Cansino shows no rust in win, earns praise from Meralco coach Luigi Trillo 

There was no easing back in for CJ Cansino—only a statement, as he showed no signs of rust in his first game in two months in the PBA.

In his return to action for the Meralco Bolts, Cansino delivered a near-flawless performance, finishing 8-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and a perfect 2-of-2 from four-point range, on his way to 23 points and eight assists. His all-around effort not only powered Meralco but also earned him Player of the Game honors.

It was the kind of outing that immediately caught the attention of head coach Luigi Trillo, who emphasized the team’s collective showing while acknowledging his guard’s hot hand.

“Compliments to Marvin, our import, he played well, CJ was on fire, New played well. Just overall, everybody that got fielded today was able to contribute,” said Trillo.

For Cansino, the performance felt less like a comeback and more like a continuation. The last time he suited up for Meralco was during the East Asia Super League do-or-die clash against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, where he contributed seven points in a lineup anchored by imports Ismael Romero and Justin Brownlee.

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OPENING BOLT

CJ Cansino and the Meralco Bolts start their campaign strong after a dominant W versus the Converge FiberXers in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/T60u9Es65u

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 18, 2026

His previous PBA appearance came even earlier—during the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup on January 14, 2026—when he erupted for a career-high 36 points in a losing effort against the TNT Tropang 5G.

That stretch underscored his growing importance to the squad, as he averaged 18.5 points, four rebounds, and nearly two assists per game, establishing himself as one of the Bolts’ most dependable scoring options.

Any concerns about rhythm or timing quickly disappeared. Cansino looked comfortable, decisive, and in full control—whether attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots, or creating opportunities for teammates.

More importantly, his return adds another layer to a Meralco side looking to build momentum early in the conference. With contributions coming from across the roster and Cansino picking up right where he left off, the Bolts may have found a key piece ready to elevate their campaign.

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