MANILA — Meralco stayed in contention for a spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup after shocking Magnolia, 94-88, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal on Friday night.
The Bolts held off the Hotshots down the stretch and, scored a much-needed win as the elimination round reaches its homestretch.
Down 79-81 following a huge Magnolia run earlier in the fourth quarter of a tight encounter, Meralco went on a crucial 6-0 run to take the lead for good, 85-81.
Jio Jalalon tried to keep the Hotshots in the game with back-to-back baskets, but crucial free throws from Baser Amer and Reynel Hugnatan helped seal the victory for the Bolts.
Allen Durham came close to a triple-double with 20 points, 18 rebounds, and eight assists, while Cliff Hodge had his own double-double with 12 markers and 10 boards with two assists, two blocks, and one steal for Meralco, which moved up to 3-6.
Romeo Travis made 25 points, 19 rebounds, five dimes, and one swipe for Magnolia, whose five-game winning streak came to an end, falling to 7-2.
The Scores:
Meralco: 94 — Durham 20, Amer 16, Hugnatan 15, Newsome 13, Hodge 12, Salva 8, Jamito 5, Caram 3, Tolomia 2, Lanete 0, Faundo 0, Ballesteros 0.
Magnolia: 88 — Travis 25, Lee 12, Sangalang 12, Jalalon 9, Reavis 8, Barroca 8, Brondial 7, Herndon 3, Simon 2, Dela Rosa 2, Pascual 0.
Quarter scores: 24-19, 43-all, 70-66, 94-88. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
