MANILA – Meralco Bolts survived several rally attempts from the Blackwater Elite for a 106-97 victory to regain its winning ways in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Allen Durham topscored with 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Raymond Almazan added 19 markers and 10 boards.
The Bolts moved up to a 4-2 win-loss record.
Holding to a slim 22-20 advantage in the first period, the Bolts was able to build a double-digit edge on consecutive points from Rommel Nino Canaleta but the Elite came up with a rally to come to within 56-50 at the half.
The Elite had a strong start in the third quarter to come to as close as 59-62. The Bolts, however, had answers from Durham, Almazan and Chris Newsome. The lead went up to 80-70.
Blackwater made its last push in the final quarter but Meralco came up with timely three-point conversions from Kier John Quinto and Baser Amer.
As the Elite dropped to 2-4 record, Michael Digregorio finished with 22 points, including six three-point conversions, while Marqus Blakely added double-double 15 points and 17 rebounds.
In the second game, KJ McDaniels carried TNT KaTropa to his shoulders in the overtime period to score a 99-93 win over Alaska Aces to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games.
McDaniels heated up early in the extension period with six straight points for a 95-91 edge. The Aces came to within 93-95 but a basket by Jeth Troy Rosario and free throws by McDaniels sealed the win for TNT.
McDaniels finished the match with double-double 37 points and 13 rebounds, while Rosario added 23 markers for the KaTropa. Jvee Casio and Franko House had 16 each for the 1-6 Aces./PN
