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Meralco picked up where it left off and whipped Phoenix, 81-66, in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup to inch closer to the elusive twice-to-beat advantage on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Baser Amer unloaded 20 points and three assists to lead the Bolts to their third straight win to formally clinch a playoff berth.
Chris Newsome also got 19 markers, four boards, and three assists, while Alex Stepheson got 15 points and 20 rebounds for Meralco, which tightened its grip of the second place with its 7-1 card.
“Defensively, we’re pretty sharp tonight and it held up for the entire game,” said coach Norman Black. “I’m really happy with the defense. The guys really devoted to the game plan we had for Phoenix and executed really well on the defensive end.”
Coming off a 16-day break, the Bolts shook off the cobwebs early and zapped their way back from an early nine-point deficit before regaining control in the second quarter to grab the 34-26 halftime lead.
The low-scoring duel continued in the second half before the Bolts finally wiggled out of the Fuel Masters’ grasp as they opened the fourth quarter with a 17-7 blast, turning a tight 53-46 lead at the end of the third quarter to a comfortable 70-53 advantage, punctuated by an Amer jumper with 4:03 left in the game.
Jameel McKay topped Phoenix with 16 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks, while Cyrus Baguio had 10 in the loss.
The defeat further endangered the Fuel Masters’ position as they are precariously holding on to the eighth spot with their 3-5 slate.
The Scores:
MERALCO 81 – Amer 20, Newsome 19, Stepheson 15, Grey 8, Hodge 7, Caram 4, Hugnatan 3, Nabong 2, Chua 2, Daquioag 1, Dillinger 0, Faundo 0.
PHOENIX 66 – McKay 16, Baguio 10, Jazul 7, Borboran 6, Torres 6, Dehesa 5, W. Wilson 5, Alolino 4, Kramer 3, Intal 2, J. Wilson 2, Miranda 0, Lanete 0.
Quarters: 13-16, 34-29, 53-46, 81-66.