The leather is one hot potato in a mad scramble featuring (from left) Columbian’s Jackson Corpuz and Meralco’s Mike Tolomia, Reynel Hugnatan and Nico Salva. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Allen Durham hinted of remarkable things to come for the Meralco Bolts with a near triple-double output in the opening game of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
But it still took an overflow of zeal and artistry from Baser Amer for the Bolts to get over the hump in a come-from-behind 109-106 victory over Columbian Dyip Friday night at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The 6-foot stealthy guard from Davao City torched the Dyip with 23 points, capping his endgame heroics with a sneaky drive for the Bolts to gain the edge that they protected in the dying seconds.
“We talked in the dugout during halftime and everybody agreed that we need to give more effort in defense,” said Amer.
In the second game, NLEX, behind the 33 points and 23 rebounds of Olu Ashaolo, controlled the game from start to finish en route to a 103-90 victory over TNT KaTropa.
The Road Warriors were methodical in their control of the match, holding off repeated rallies by TNT through the heroics of Larry Fonacier and Mac Tallo.
NLEX was playing without coach Yeng Guiao, who is in Jakarta coaching the men’s national team in the Asian Games.
While NLEX never lost grip of the match, Meralco needed a big second half to turn back Columbian.
The Bolts scored over 40 points in the third quarter alone, a fightback from a 10-point halftime deficit keyed by coach Norman Black’s verbal outburst at intermission.
“That bad start got us a sermon from coach Norman. After that, we were able to execute our game plan in the second half,” said Amer, who had a couple of threes aside from eight rebounds and six assists.
Durham finished with 26 points on top of 20 rebounds and nine assists.
“I expect us to be in game shape and get better as the conference wears on,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.