PBA IMAGES
Ed Daquioag went off anew and towed Meralco to a 98-87 victory over TNT Friday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The rookie once again posted 23 points, 18 coming in the second half, to go with four assists to pull the Bolts to their second win in three games.
“He’s a rookie, but he doesn’t play like a rookie. He’s a good kid,” remarked coach Norman Black.
Cliff Hodge also poured all of his nine markers in the payoff period to stave off the KaTropa’s endgame rally. He also had eight boards and five assists in the game.
“I’d just like to applaud my players for their defense today. I thought it was extraordinary and exceptional with the way we played defense,” said Black.
Rabeh Al-Hussaini also added 14 points and two rebounds, while Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Newsome got 11 markers apiece.
TNT kept itself within striking distance going to the final five minutes, with Jayson Castro pulling the KaTropa within five, 87-82, with 3:43 to play.
Hodge and Daquioag, however, would end that rally with a 6-0 blitz to put the game away.
Castro scattered 23 points, seven assists, and three rebounds for TNT (2-2), while Kelly Williams got 19 markers and eight boards.
The Scores:
MERALCO 98 – Daquioag 23, Al-Hussaini 14, Hugnatan 11, Newsome 11, Nabong 10, Amer 9, Hodge 9, Caram 6, Yeo 4, Grey 1, Faundo 0, Chua 0.
TNT 87 – Castro 23, Williams 19, De Ocampo 9, Pogoy 9, Reyes 9, Tautuaa 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Rosario 4, Fonacier 3, Carey 0, Rosales 0.
Quarters: 26-23, 45-45, 75-69, 98-87.