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Meralco just made the topsy-turvy race for the last top four slot even more interesting after nipping Mahindra, 86-83, in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Allen Durham dominated with 34 points, including the go-ahead bucket, 84-83, with 46.5 seconds left, and 17 rebounds for the Bolts, who snapped a two-game slide to assure itself a playoff for the final twice-to-beat incentive.
“Nice to win a close game for a change,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black, who picked up his 600th career coaching win, just one shy of matching Baby Dalupan for third place in the all-time wins list.
“It’s good to have a win heading into the playoffs hopefully we can build some confidence.”
James White had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Enforcer, who reeled to their third consecutive defeat.
Veteran swingman KG Canaleta missed his third straight game for Mahindra due to appendicitis. The Enforcer are now 0-3 without Canaleta.
Meralco, which also formalized its entry in the quarterfinals following the victory, will face Alaska, Mahindra or Phoenix in a playoff for the fourth spot.
The scores:
MERALCO 86 – Durham 34, Dillinger 12, Newsome 10, Hugnatan 9, Alapag 7, Amer 4, Hodge 3, Uyloan 3, Faundo 2, Nabong 2, Al-Hussaini 0.
MAHINDRA 83 – White 27, Ramos 17, Revilla 12, Yee 9, Taha 8, Aguilar 4, Guinto 2, Digregorio 2, Agovida 2, Mandani 0, Webb 0, Galanza 0, Bagatsing 0, Ballesteros 0, De Vera 0.
Quarterscores: 25-22, 50-45, 71-62, 86-83