Meralco stayed in playoff contention after beating Rain or Shine, 91-82, in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts racked up their third straight win and moved up to ninth place with a 4-6 record, just half a game behind for the eighth and last quarterfinals slot.
“Everyone was operating as a team, closing out, challenging their shooters. We made mistakes but overall, our defense was good. On the other end, we had good balanced scoring tonight with a lot of guys contributing. Durham did not have to dominate the game offensively because other guys stepped up and really helped.”
Allen Durham had game-highs of 19 points and 20 rebounds while five others finished in double-digit scoring for the Bolts led by Mike Tolomia’s 17 points.
Cliff Hodge notched a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, Newsome pumped in 12 markers, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Anjo Caram and Reynel Hugnatan fired 11 and 11 points, respectively, in the win.
Norbert Torres had one of his best games of the conference with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 rebounds but that didn't prevent Rain or Shine from crashing to their second straight loss for a 2-6 card at 10th place.
Terrence Watson chalked up 14 points and 13 rebounds, Rey Nambatac added 13 points while Ed Daquioag had 10 points in the loss.
The Scores
Meralco 91 - Durham 19, Tolomia 17, Hodge 14, Newsome 12, Caram 11, Hugnatan 10, Salva 4, Amer 2, Jamito 2, Ballesteros 0.
Rain or Shine 82 - Torres 16, Watson 14, Nambatac 13, Daquioag 10, Ponferada 7, Ahanmisi 7, Yap 7, Norwood 6, Borboran 2.
Quarters: 19-19, 44-43, 65-65, 91-82.