PBA: Meralco back on track, beats Blackwater

ANTIPOLO — Meralco returned to the win column at the expense of Blackwater, 106-97, Friday night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Center here.

Import Allen Durham scored 27 rebounds and plucked down 13 rebounds to lead the Bolts, who improved to a 4-2 record—good for a fourth place.

Raymond Almazan continued to flourish in his pairing with the prolific Meralco import, tossing a double-double of 19 points and 10 boards.

Mike DiGregorio had 22 off the bench for the Elite, who absorbed their fourth defeat in six outings. Five more, including reinforcement Marqus Blakely, added 10 or more in the scoring effort.

Meralco goes on a short break and hopes to get a streak going when it plays Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel Beer on Oct. 27.

Blackwater, meanwhile, hopes to rebound against cellar-dwelling Rain or Shine this Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

The Scores

Meralco 106 – Durham 27, Almazan 19, Amer 17, Canaleta 13, Newsome 8, Quinto 8, Pinto 7, Faundo 3, Caram 2, Hugnatan 2.Blackwater 97 – Digregorio 22, Blakely 15, Parks 12, Maliksi 12, Al-Hussaini 11, Belo 10, Cortez 4, Cruz 3, Desiderio 2, Sena 2, Sumang 2, Alolino 2.

Quarterscores: 22-20, 56-50, 80-74, 106-97.–