PBA Philippine Cup: Simon, Yap rally B-Meg past Meralco

MANILA, Philippines—James Yap and Peter June Simon sizzled in B-Meg’s 95-79 victory over Meralco Friday in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

Yap worked in tandem with Peter June Simon in the Llamados’ crucial fourth-quarter takeover after allowing the Bolts to come within striking distance.

B-Meg’s top two prolific scorers scattered a combined 25 points in the second half, catching fire when their squad needed them most.

Yap finished with 25 points even as Simon also had a good shooting night with 6-of-13 to add 17 points.

The Llamados, who improved to 4-4 and squeezed themselves in the middle of the race, weathered the Bolts’ comeback with a quick counter at the start of the payoff period.

After trailing by as big as 22 points at the half, Meralco started hitting its strides with Sol Mercado and Asi Taulava in the lead.

A triple by Mercado, who finished with 14 points, slashed the lead down to 68-63 to cap a blazing third quarter by the Bolts.

Gabby Espinas, who finished with 20 points, had some crucial missed from the stripe, which proved costly for Meralco, which suffered its fourth loss.