Marcus Blakely vs Asi Taulava and Mark Cardona. PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Also-ran Meralco played spoilsport in B-Meg’s hunt for the finals spot Friday night with a 104-101 triumph, its first in the semifinals of the 2012 PBA Governor’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sol Mercado exploded for 30 points, hauled down four rebounds, dished out five assists and netted three steals as the Bolts, who bowed out of contention, dented the Llamados’ chances with a fourth loss.
Import Mario West, meanwhile, accounted for 29 points, six rebounds and four assists for Meralco, who played minus the pressure, as they dominated B-Meg from the start.
But then B-Meg, not surprisingly, caught up in the final two minutes but Meralco made the crucial stops, including two pivotal interceptions which sealed the victory.
The Bolts’ victory also gave life to the campaign of Talk N’ Text, which needs to sweep all its remaining assignments to remain in the running for the finals spot.
Marcus Blakely and James Yap combined for more than half of their squad’s final score but the Llamados’ run towards the end was just too little, too late.
After playing catch up for more than three quarters, B-Meg was able to slash the lead to within a point, 101-102, in the waning seconds — courtesy of a clutch trey by Yap.
Blakely blistered with 30 points and 21 rebounds while Yap chipped in 22 markers and 10 boards on a losing effort.