Meralco Bolts’ import KJ McDaniels in the PBA Governors’ Cup. -PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco used a big run that began late in the first quarter on its way to a 114-98 victory over NLEX and snap a two-game skid in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Thursday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Bolts scored 22 straight points that spilled in the second period to gain a 37-16 lead before foiling multiple tries by the Road Warriors to erase the gap as coach Norman Black’s team got back in winning form after losses to the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga.
Import KJ McDaniels, Allein Maliksi, Aaron Black and Chris Newsome were in double figures while Cliff Hodge and Anjo Caram also did well for the Bolts, who moved back in a tie for fifth place with the Magnolia Hotshots at 4-3.
“At the end, we were able to get some stops, Allein to hit some big shots, KJ was really dominant player for us in the paint which really helped us out a lot. Newsome did well today so a lot of contributed to the win over NLEX,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.
McDaniels had 31 points, 21 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, Maliksi scored 19 points spiked by four threes, Newsome put up 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists while Black added 15.
Cliff Hodge produced nine points and eight rebounds, including his 1,00th career on the offensive glass while most of Caram’s eight points came during the aforementioned run early in the game.
NLEX couldn’t secure a virtual seat in the quarterfinals and dropped to 5-3 despite 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from import Wayne Selden Jr.
The scores:
MERALCO 114 — McDaniels 31, Maliksi 19, Newsome 18, Black 15, Hodge 9, Caram 8, Almazan 7, Banchero 5, Quinto 2, Jose 0.
NLEX 98 — Selden 29, Trollano 19, Ganuelas-Rosser 16, Alas 13, Semerad 9, Nieto 9, Rosales 3, Miranda 0, Pascual 0, Gabo 0.
Quarters: 27-16, 56-46, 87-71, 114-98.