Durham, Meralco deal San Miguel its 2nd straight loss

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MANILA, Philippines—Meralco had a hot start and kept its foot on the pedal the rest of the way for a 125-99 drubbing of Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel Beer in the PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Allen Durham, the Bolts’ longtime import, figured as the team’s anchor anew, assembling a triple-double of 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Bolts moved to third place.

“It was a good team effort led by Allen Durham who has become our rock,” said coach Norman Black, who also drew significant contributions from Baser Amer and the franchise’s new acquisition in Allein Maliksi, among others.

“I think this is one of our better games this conference,” said the Grand Slam mentor, whose charges 5-2.

The Beermen got the goods mostly from their centerpiece June Mar Fajardo, who fired 31 points. Dez Wells added 18 while Alex Cabagnot scored 12 as the vaunted club dropped to fifth place with a 5-3 record.

Wells, who hurt his ankle in the first half, was unable to return to the contest.

Meralco looks to extend its winning ways to three games against crowd favorite Ginebra, which it plays Nov. 3.

San Miguel, which has now lost two straight, hopes to take advantage of limping Blackwater on Nov. 6.