MERALCO stretched its winning streak to four, defeating import-less Magnolia, 82-74, on Saturday in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Cultural, and Sports Center.
The Bolts never trailed in the game to regain solo lead in Group A with a 5-1 win-loss record, sweeping the Hotshots in their elimination round encounter after they also won on opening day, 99-94, last August 18.
The Hotshots, who fell to 3-3, played minus new import Shabazz Muhammad, who joined the trip to Panabo City but hasn’t secured a Letter of Clearance from FIBA in time for the game.
Chris Newsome had 21 points and eight rebounds, and shot 7-of-12 from the field for the Bolts, who led by as many as 13 points, 60-47, in the third quarter.
Bong Quinto added 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Allen Durham compiled 15 points and 15 rebounds for Meralco, still playing without Cliff Hodge, Raymond Almazan, Allein Maliksi, and Aaron Black.
Zav Lucero had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Mark Barroca tallied 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists, but the Hotshots just didn’t have enough firepower without an import.
Magnolia still came to within four points, 74-70, heading into the final two minutes of the game, but Meralco replied with six straight points courtesy of Durham, Quinto, and Newsome, who made two free throws with 40 seconds remaining to make it an 80-70 game.
The scores:
Meralco 82 – Newsome 21, Quinto 16, Durham 15, Banchero 10, Cansino 6, Bates 5, Pascual 4, Mendoza 3, Caram 2, Jose 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0.
Magnolia 74 – Lucero 14, Barroca 12, Lee 11, Balanza 10, Sangalang 9, Dionisio 7, Abueva 7, Ahanmisi 2, Laput 2, Reavis 0, Mendoza 0, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarters: 19-14; 39-30; 62-49; 82-74.
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