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Meralco stuns San Miguel; Star on track for semis incentive Meralco overhauled an 18-point third quarter deficit en route to a 104-101 squeaker over San Miguel Beer to seize the solo lead and top seeding in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Allen Durham carried the Bolts down the stretch, finishing with 35 points and 13 rebounds as they climbed to 9-2 and seal a twice-to-beat edge against No. 8 Blackwater in the playoffs.
June Mar Fajardo led San Miguel with 26 points and eight rebounds.
The Beermen fell to 7-4 and a share of fifth and sixth spots with the Star Hotshots, who thwarted NLEX, 101-93, in the first game.
The Hotshots leaned on the trio of Paul Lee, import Kristofer Acox and Mark Barroca to keep themselves in the hunt for a top four seat and a twice-to-beat incentive.
Lee poured in seven of his 15 points in the payoff period, Acox tallied a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Barroca had 13 points and four rebounds as the Hotshots overhauled a 36-44 halftime deficit.
“We had the proper mindset and it was to win,” said Star coach Chito Victolero. “The only thing we had control of is our game and I’m proud of my players, especially in the second half. They stepped up on defense plus we had a better ball movement.”
Lee and Barroca found their groove midway in the fourth quarter to trigger Star’s breakaway, 95-83, with 3:20 left.
PJ Simon topscored for Star with 16 points, while Aldrech Ramos had 14 points.
Aaron Fuller led the Road Warriors with 16 points and 17 rebounds, while Alex Mallari fired 13 points.—RANDOLPH B. LEONGSON, INQUIRER.NET