QUEZON CITY--Meralco finally forced TNT's second loss in the PBA Governors' Cup.
The Bolts did it in style.
Meralco handed TNT its biggest defeat in the season-ending conference with a 106-91 rout in Game 2 of the semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night.
The Bolts tore the KaTropa from the start, and although the latter came to as close as five in the second period, the former never gave their opponents a chance to inch closer.
Allen Durham led Meralco with 31 points, 21 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal, while Chris Newsome added 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal in a rare start as point guard.
Jimmy Alapag, the usual primary quarterback for Meralco, made all of his five field goals, four from beyond the arc, and two free throws and finished with 16 markers off the bench.
Jayson Castro tallied 24 points, one rebound, and four assists for TNT, but in a rare moment where he had more errors than dimes, he committed five turnovers.
The result assured that the best-of-five series will also go to a Game 4 like the other semifinal pairing between San Miguel and Ginebra. The said game will take place on Monday night.
The result assured that the best-of-five series will also go to a Game 4 like the other semifinal pairing between San Miguel and Ginebra. The said game will take place on Monday night.
Box Scores:
Meralco 106-Durham 31, Newsome 17, Alapag 16, Hodge 15, Hugnatan 12, Dillinger 8, Uyloan 3, Amer 2, Nabong 2, Faundo 0
TNT 91-Castro 24, Ammons 15, De Ocampo 10, Rosario 9, Tautuaa 9, Williams 9, Ababou 7, Carey 2, Fonacier 2, Madanly 2, Rosales 2, Rosser 0
Quarterscores: 29-15, 54-40, 80-60, 106-91
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
TNT 91-Castro 24, Ammons 15, De Ocampo 10, Rosario 9, Tautuaa 9, Williams 9, Ababou 7, Carey 2, Fonacier 2, Madanly 2, Rosales 2, Rosser 0
Quarterscores: 29-15, 54-40, 80-60, 106-91
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno