DESPITE a depleted roster, MERALCO keeps racking up wins. Last Sunday it took down Northport, 109-99, to gain a share of the top spot in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Bolts went to import Allen Durham to pull away from the Batang Pier before Chris Banchero and the others took over to preserve the win. The reigning Philippine Cup champion is now tied with TNT for the No. 1 spot in their group at 3-1.
In the other game, Magnolia proved too much for winless, depleted Terrafirma side, 124-103.
The victory put the Hotshots back at .500 with a 2-2 record while dealing the Dyip a fourth straight loss.
Below are quick takeaways in the twin bill at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
1. DURHAM SLOWLY GETTING BACK IN TOP SHAPE – Admittedly, ‘The Hulk’ came over not exactly in the same shape he was when he won three Best Import awards in the past. But as the season-opening conference proceeds, the long-time Meralco import is regaining his old form. But even in his present physical state, Durham proved unstoppable. Against Northport, Durham scored 34 points, 19 in the third quarter. The 36-year-old import narrowly missed a triple double after posting nine assists and 16 rebounds.
2. AHANMISI FINDING HIS OWN NICHE – Better known as the younger brother of Maverick Ahanmisi, Jerrick is now coming into his own. Against Magnolia, he shot a career-high 24 points in the 21-point blowout of Converge, spiked by a 4-of-8 shooting from the 4-point arc. He ended up being named Best Player of the Game, which also marked the first in his career. So far, he’s the player with the most number of 4-point conversion with seven conversions on 16 attempts. . A first-round pick of the Hotshots in the 2020 draft (No. 10 overall), the 26-year-old shooting guard is now earning his minutes and gaining his rhythm in his fourth season with the franchise.
3. FREE FALL CONTINUES FOR DYIP - There seems to be no end in sight yet for Terrafirma’s losing woes. Following the 21-point blowout against Magnolia, the Dyip have been averaging a 21-point losing margin every game. The future does not hold great promise for the Dyip given the health condition of Juami Tiongson and Kemark Carino. Then there's also the performance of the team's import, Antonio Hester, who was held to just two points on 1-of-4 shooting. His game was so awful, he was not fielded in the second half. Terrafirma plays Group A leader TNT in its next game. Guess who will win that match.
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