MANILA – Alaska Aces wasted a lead as high as 20 points before escaping with a 100-95 win over Meralco Bolts in Game 2 of their 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal face-off on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Mike Harris led the way with 37 points and 19 rebounds, Simon Enciso added 23 markers, including five triples, while Chris Banchero had 13 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Aces, which leveled the best-of-five series at 1-1.
Trailing early in the game, the Aces surged to a 19-13 advantage with baskets from Harris, Banchero and Enciso. The Bolts countered with consecutive hits from Nicholas Salva to come to within 21-23.
Both teams were on a seesaw battle in the second period with the Bolts slightly up 36-34 on a Rommel Canaleta triple but the Aces countered with hits from the trio of Harris, Banchero and Enciso for a 47-40 halftime lead.
A furious run by the Aces at the onset of third period behind Harris and Siverino Baclao gave them their largest lead 66-46. The Bolts made a run late in the period to chop the deficit 60-74.
The Bolts continued their run in the fourth to come to within 8 points on the scoring of Salva. But the Aces quickly answered back with shots from Harris to increase the lead back to 11.
Late in the period the Bolts pushed even further to come to within 95-98 and had a shot at tying the scores. But a missed triple attempt by Meralco’s Baser Amer followed by two free throws by Enciso sealed the win for Alaska.
Allen Durham finished with near triple-double 24 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, while Salva tallied conference-best 20 markers for the Bolts, which were eyeing a third straight Governors’ Cup finals appearance./PN
