CUBAO, Philippines (Eagle News) – The Meralco Bolts maintain their hot start with a win over the short-handed Alaska Aces, 100-96, to grab the early lead in the 2016 PBA Governor’s Cup standings at 2-0.
The Aces went running with with a balanced attack with nine players scoring at least two points for their team while the Bolts had 14 of their 20 first quarter points from their import, Allen Durham. Alaska finishes the first quarter with an eight point lead heading to the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Meralco turned into their rookie, Chris Newsome to find the extra scoring punch to help the Bolts reclaim the lead by halftime, 48-46. Newsome and Durham combined for 32 of Meralco’s 48 first half points.
The Bolts came out on fire as Jared Dillinger, Jose Caram and Cliff Hodge followed Durham’s attack. The four players combined for 20 of Meralco’s 25 third quarter points with Durham adding 8 points to his total as the Bolts mount a 9-point lead heading to the final quarter.
Alaska’s import, LaDontae Henton tried to put up a fight as he scored 12 points in the final quarter but the late surge was not able to help the Aces get over the hump as Reynel Hugnatan came in with 9 of his 11 points and Durham added 10 points in the final period as Meralco cruises to the their second victory in three days, 100-96.
Meralco Bolts will try to gun for a three-game winning streak as they face Tropang TNT on July 23, Saturday while the Alaska Aces seek to come back from the loss on July 24, Sunday against Barangay Ginebra.
The scores:
MERALCO 100 – Durham 36, Newsome 19, Dillinger 13, Hugnatan 11, Hodge 5, Caram 4, Nabong 4, Alapag 3, Buenafe 3, Uyloan 2, Jamshidi 0
ALASKA 96 – Henton 33, Jazul 13, Racal 11, Casio 8, Banchero 8, Manuel 6, Dela Rosa 4, Hontiveros 4, Thoss 3, Baclao 2, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 2, Menk 0
Quarterscores: 20-28, 48-46, 73-64, 100-96
Photos by: Peter Baltazar / Sports On Air / Eagle News