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Meralco takes advantage of lifeline, stifles TNT in OT to tie semis

KJ McDaniels bounced back from a rough Game 1 with a near 40-20. PBA Images
By Ivan Saldajeno

ANTIPOLO—Just when Meralco thought they will fall 0-2 down in the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals, some lucky breaks haunted Rondae Hollins-Jefferson late in regulation.

The Bolts took advantage of those breaks in overtime.

Meralco made TNT pay for Hollins-Jefferson's missed game-winning charities by dominating them in the extension for a 124-117 win in Game 2 of their best-of-five series on Sunday night at the Ynares Center here.

Hollins-Jefferson, a relatively steady free throw shooter even during his NBA days, missed two free throws late in the fourth quarter that could have won it for the Tropang Giga.

Instead, the Bolts held them scoreless in the first three minutes of the overtime session while scoring eight straight points and never looked back from there.

Held to only 12 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists in Game 1 on Friday night, KJ McDaniels exploded for 39 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks to lead Meralco, which tied the best-of-five at one game apiece.

Aaron Black put up a career night as he chipped in 28 points on 12-of-19 shooting, matching his career-high in scoring, and 10 assists, a new career-high in dimes, with five rebounds.

Mikey Williams led TNT with 29 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal, while Hollins-Jefferson added 27 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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