Meralco Bolts wrapped up the elimination phase with a 104-101 upset of the San Miguel Beer in the 2017 PBA Governorsโ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
The huge stunner handed the twice-to-beat Bolts the top spot with a 9-2 card, setting up a quarterfinals match with Blackwater. SMB, on the other hand, fell out of the top four and will head into the next round with a twice-to-win disadvantage against third-seeded Ginebra.
Allen Durham produced game-high 35 points, including 14 in the payoff period where the Bolts overhauled a 14-point deficit with a furious 35-20 onslaught.
The reigning Best Import also contributed 13 rebounds and eight assists. Jared Dillinger made 16 markers, hitting six of seven from the field, while Chris Newsome tallied 14 points, four caroms, and six dimes.
Cliff Hodge collared 15 rebounds on top of eight points and four dimes, while Baser Amer delivered 13 points, including the triple that tied the game at 98-all with 1:28 left.
After Durhamโs layup gave Meralco the lead, Chris Ross then knocked down a big three-pointer on the other end to take back the lead, 101-100, for the Beermen.
But another bucket by Durham and clutch defensive plays helped Meralco turn back San Miguel as the import sealed the deal with a pair of free throws.
June Mar Fajardo led SMB with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Terrence Watson and Marcio Lassiter had 18 points apiece.
The scores:
MERALCO 104 โ Durham 35, Dillinger 16, Newsome 14, Amer 13, Hodge 8, Tolomia 8, De Ocampo 6, Nabong 2, Hugnatan 2, Lanete 0.
SAN MIGUEL 101 โ Fajardo 26, Lassiter 18, Watson 18, Cabagnot 16, Ross 10, Santos 6, Rosser 4, Espinas 3, Heruela 0.
Quarter scores: 19-32, 39-51, 69-81, 104-101.
