Bowles rallies B-Meg past Meralco for semis spot

MANILA, Philippines—Import Denzel Bowles starred in a fiery fourth-period turnaround as B-Meg entered the semifinals with an 86-76 triumph over Meralco Sunday in the 2012 PBA Commissioners’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The 22-year-old Bowles picked up the intensity and outworked counterpart Earl Barron in helping the Llamados takeover the game with 10 straight markers in the last five minutes.

Bowles finished with 28 points and hauled down 11 boards, which went along with five assists and three blocks.

B-Meg, which will face sister squad Ginebra in the best-of-five semifinals, also clamped down on defense and held Meralco to zero field goal in almost 10 minutes.

Peter June Simon provided the spark in the pivotal run while Jonas Villanueva, who is coming off a yearlong layoff, injected energy to the Llamados side late in the third period.

Simon, who helped trim down the Bolts lead, added 16 points to the series-clinching victory.

Sol Mercado exploded for 27 points but started missing his shots when Meralco needed offense most in the fourth quarter.

The semifinals start on Wednesday at Ynares Arena in Antipolo City.