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Meralco imported KJ McDaniels. – PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco played nervously in its final game on Sunday night to defeat Magnolia, 86-84, in the PBA Governor’s Cup.
Import KJ McDaniels hit important freebies and then played big on defense as the game wound down, ultimately helping the Bolts to a 5-3 record in the race.
McDaniels had 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Chris Newsome scored 16 and Bong Quinto 12 points in a nip-and-tuck game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao that could be a foreshadowing of the playoffs.
“It turned out to be what we thought it would turn out to be: a grinding game,” coach Norman Black said. “But we made some stops down the stretch that made the difference in the game.”
“We know we need this win. We want to go out like a playoff game,” added Cliff Hodge who finished with eight points and 12 rebounds on the night he broke 1,000 career offensive rebounds.
Magnolia got 23 points from Antonio Hester and 18 points from Paul Lee. Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, and Calvin Abueva all finished in double figures in the losing streak that ended their four-game winning streak.
Meralco, currently sixth in the season-ending showdown, sets up another tough test in old tormentor and defending champion Barangay Ginebra.
Now with a 4-4 record, Magnolia will try to get back on track as they tackle NorthPort who are desperate to break even in the bottom half of the Top 8.
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