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Meralco made sure it won’t be a flash in the pan, clobbering TNT, 106-91, to even the series up 1-1 in their best-of-five semifinals series in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jimmy Alapag went on a blazing 4-of-4 clip from threes to lead the charge with 16 points and four assists.
He also moved six triples away from surpassing Allan Caidic for the record on most threes made in PBA history.
Looking at the tiff as a must win, the Bolts jumped the gun and erected a 29-15 lead after the first quarter and held off the KaTropa’s numerous rallies with a lead as high as 24, 76-52.
“We played a lot better tonight than what we did in the first game,” said coach Norman Black. “We played
much better today offensively and defensively and we’re more prepared for them today.”
Allen Durham paced Meralco with 31 markers, 21 rebounds, and two blocks, while Chris Newsome added 17 points, 10 boards, and five assists.
Cliff Hodge chimed in 15 markers and four boards, while Reynel Hugnatan got 12 points and five dimes.
Despite nabbing the win, Meralco got a bad news after Jared Dillinger seemingly pulled his left hamstring late in the already decided game.
“That’s going to be a big loss if we lose him in this series,” said Black. “Hopefully, he’s ok. We just have to wait and see.”
Jayson Castro topped TNT with 24 points and four assists but no longer returned the fourth frame.
Mychal Ammons had 15 markers and seven boards in the loss.
Game 3 is on Saturday, still at the Big Dome.
The Scores
MERALCO 106 – Durham 31, Newsome 17, Alapag 16, Hodge 15, Hugnatan 12, Dillinger 8, Uyloan 3, Amer 2, Nabong 2, Faundo 0.
TNT 91 – Castro 24, Ammons 15, De Ocampo 10, Rosario 9, Tautuaa 9, Williams 9, Ababou 7, Carey 2, Fonacier 2, Madanly 2, Rosales 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
Quarters: 29-15, 54-40, 80-60, 106-91.