Sports
Meralco sizzles in 4Q to steal Game 3 from Ginebra
MANILA — Meralco is back in the title hunt!
The Bolts finally scored a win in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals with a 94-81 Game 3 rout of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
Meralco blasted Ginebra in the final frame, outscoring its opponent, 28-17, to break away for good.
The Bolts’ defense actually clicked in the second half as the Barangay only made 34 points all in all in the final 24 minutes
Allen Durham exploded for 38 points with 20 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and five blocks for Meralco, who cut Ginebra’s lead to 2-1 and extended the best-of-seven series to a Game 5.
Reynel Hugnatan caught fire as well from downtown, dropping seven triples for 22 points with five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Chris Newsome struggled offensively, only making 1-of-10 field goals, but he played impressively as a facilitator, dropping 12 dimes with seven markers on 5-of-6 free throws, five boards, and one steal.
Justin Brownlee struggled on Wednesday night, only making 7-of-20 from the field for 15 points, although he had 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and five blocks for Ginebra.
Box Scores:
Meralco 94-Durham 38, Hugnatan 22, Dillinger 9, Lanete 8, Caram 7, Newsome 7, Hodge 3, Amer 0, De Ocampo 0, Faundo 0, Tolomia 0
Ginebra 81-Brownlee 15, Tenorio 14, Aguilar J. 14, Slaughter 12, Thompson 10, Devance 8, Caguioa 8, Mercado 0, Ferrer 0
Quarterscores: 21-21, 46-47, 66-64, 94-81 (PNA)
