PBA: Allen Durham leads Meralco pullaway to beat NorthPort

Meralco Bolts import Allen Durham in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

\MANILA, Philippines–Meralco used a big third quarter on Sunday night to ultimately whip NorthPort, 109-99, in the PBA Governors Cup.

Import Allen Durham scored 19 of his total 34 points in that period, greasing the breakaway that built a cushion, and eventually, paved the way for the Bolts’ third win in four meetings.

“I thought in our third quarter, we were more solid all around. It’s been a tough week for us, guys have been sick so the vets had to come through in that quarter,” said coach Luigi Trillo shortly after the victory at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, that put his charges alongside 3-1 TNT atop Group A play.

READ: PBA: Meralco dominates Terrafirma to gain share of lead

Meralco struggled with manpower woes, missing key players like Raymond Almazan, Aaron Black, Allein Maliksi, Norbert Torres, Raymar Jose and even Cliff Hodge seven minutes into the match, but its supporting cast came through.

Chris Banchero had 23 points while Bong Quinto, Anjo Caram chipped in double output into the scoring effort that sent the Batang Pier crashing back to earth.

Arvin Toltentino had 21 points and seven rebounds but was curiously benched when NorthPort put together a surge in the fourth to try and come back into the game after being down by as many as 24 points.

William Navarro had 18 points and Joshua Munzon 16 as the Batang Pier dropped to 2-2.

Meralco hopes to make it three-straight wins against Converge on Wednesday at the Big Dome. NorthPort, meanwhile, hopes to rebound against Magnolia that same night.