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Meralco imported KJ McDaniels in the PBA Governor’s Cup. – PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines – Meralco overcame a shorthanded NorthPort in the fourth quarter for a 107-102 win and a 2-0 start in the PBA Governor’s Cup on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Import KJ McDaniels had another strong game while Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto were also key in putting the Bolts into an early lead against the Converge FiberXers.
But Meralco threw away a 12-point lead as NorthPort slowly climbed back and even took the driver’s seat for a brief moment with over two minutes to go in the contest.
“They always play hard. They don’t seem to give up against us,” Bolts coach Norman Black said. “We just have to be consistent and not go back to bad habits.”
McDaniels posted 32 points and 22 rebounds in another double-double effort for the Bolts.
Newsome led the way with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, Hodge had 15 points and nine rebounds and Quinto also had 15 for a Meralco team looking to get back into the playoffs after disappointing the Commissioner’s Cup.
NorthPort fell to 0-2 after again playing minus star Robert Bolick due to a hamstring problem and there were problems regarding contract negotiations with Batang Pier management.
Import Marcus Weathers put up 29 points and 14 rebounds while Roi Sumang had 23 points and six assists.
Sumang was among those responsible for NorthPort’s rally that ended when he met JM Calma for a layup to take the lead 97-96. But Quinto completed a three-point play to put Meralco back in front, before the Bolts made four of six free throws to pull away.
Score:
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.
NORTHPORT 102 — Cuaca 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
Quarter: 26-22, 49-43, 77-67, 107-102.
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