Meralco imported KJ McDaniels in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco overcame NorthPort’s comeback in the fourth round to win 107-102 and start 2-0 at the PBA Governors’ Cup on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Import KJ McDaniels had another strong match while Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto were also key players in getting the Bolts to share the initial lead with Converge FiberXers.
But Meralco squandered a 12-point lead as NorthPort slowly climbed back to even take the driver’s seat for a brief moment when more than two minutes were left of the start of the competition.
“They always play tough. Bolts coach Norman Black said. “We just need to be consistent and not fall back into bad habits.”
McDaniels scored 32 points and 22 bounces in another double attempt for the Bolts.
Newsome scored the most with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, Hodge had 15 points and 9 rebounds and Quinto also scored 15 points for the Meralco team eager to return to the knockout stages after a Cup. Disappointing Commissioner.
NorthPort dropped to 0-2 after once again underperforming star scorer Robert Bolick due to a hamstring problem and amid issues surrounding contract negotiations with Batang Pier management.
Import Marcus Weathers has 29 points and 14 rebounds while Roi Sumang has 23 points and 6 assists.
Sumang was among those responsible for the NorthPort rally that ended when he found JM Calma to take a 97-96 lead. But Quinto completed a three-pointer to put Meralco ahead, before Bolts took four of six free throws to equalize.
Scores:
MERALCO 107 — McDaniels 32, Newsome 16, Quinto 15, Hodge 15, Maliksi 14, Almazan 8, Jose 4, Black 3, Banchero 0, Johnson 0, Pasaol 0, Rios 0, Pascual 0.
NORTH 102 — Weathers 29, Sumang 23, Tolentino 17, Chan 10, Munzon 6, Calma 5, Taha 4, Zamar 3, Balagasay 3, Ayaay 2, Salado 0, Caperal 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Rounds: 26-22, 49-43, 77-67, 107-102.
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