MANILA – Meralco Bolts continued their blazing playoffs run as they rolled past Alaska Aces 97-92 in Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Allen Durham led the way with double-double 32 points and 14 rebounds, while Chris Newsome and Baser Amer added 16 and 14 markers, respectively, for the Bolts.
The Bolts surged to a 17-9 start on inside conversions by Durham. The Aces rallied to within 15-19 but back-to-back hits by Rommel Nino Canaleta increased the Bolts’ lead back to 25-17.
In the second period the Bolts established another double-digit lead with 16 points on hits by Bryan Faundo, Chris Michael Tolomia and Durham. The Aces made a mini run to come to within 13 at the half.
Coming to within 42-47, the Aces made a strong start in the third, and then the Bolts increased the lead 52-42 on 5 straight points from Reynel Hugnatan. The Aces cut it to 6 anew but inside hits by Durham upped the lead back to 72-56.
The Bolts went on to build their largest lead at 16 points on two free throws by Canaleta. The Aces rallied to within 9 but baskets from Durham pushed the Bolts’ lead back to double figures.
“It’s the desire of the players to continue winning. This conference, we’ve done well in the last two years with Allen (Durham),” said Bolts head coach Norman Black. “We know we have a good import and all we need to do is support him and give ourselves a chance to win.”
Mike Harris topped the scoring for the Aces with 37 points and 14 rebounds. Chris Banchero and Vic Manuel added 16 and 14 markers, respectively./PN
