Durham helps unbeaten Bolts escape Aces

Allen Durham. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Meralco held on and fended off surging Alaska, 100-96, for its second straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It’s now a 2-0 slate for the Bolts while the Aces drop their opener.

Allen Durham gave the Bolts a 92-80 lead at the 3:44 mark of the fourth hitting two free throws but Alaska responded with a 16-7 run to close the gap at 99-96 with 29 seconds remaining.

LaDontae Henton had a chance to tie the game but his three-pointer clanked off the basket allowing Chris Newsome to seal the win from the free-throw line.

“We fumbled a little bit in the end but luckily we were able to control the game,” said Bolts head coach Norman Black.

Meralco played two games in three days as the Bolts fought Mahindra in their opener on Friday.

Allen Durham once again put up solid numbers with a 36-point, 15-rebound line after scoring 32 points in his previous game.

Chris Newsome added 19 points for the Bolts while Jared Dillinger and Reynel Hugnatan also finished in double figures with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Henton led Alaska with 33 points and 12 boards while RJ Jazul and Kevin Racal added 13 and 11 points, respectively.