By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Meralco put an end to Alaska's three-game winning streak with a 106-78 mauling at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
The Bolts outscored the Aces, 30-13, in the second quarter to pull away for good as they drew closer to a Top 4 finish after the elimination round that will reward them a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Allen Durham led Meralco, which tied Ginebra for first place at 7-2, with 26 points on 8-of-14 field goals and 10-of-11 free throws, 18 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal.
Mike Tolomia sizzled off the bench, tallying 24 points, making all of his six three-point attempts, with four rebounds and two assists.
Ranidel De Ocampo came off the bench and contributed 10 points, two rebounds, and one assist in his first game as a Bolt.
Buck Henton made 23 markers, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Alaska, which now needs to beat Rain Or Shine on Wednesday night and hope that Star, Blackwater, and GlobalPort falter in their remaining games to get a chance of making the last ride to the playoffs. Star and GlobalPort are playing later Friday.
Box Scores:
Meralco 106-Durham 26, Tolomia 24, Amer 17, Newsome 10, De Ocampo 10, Hodge 8, Lanete 5, Nabong 3, Caram 2, Atkins 0, Yeo 0, Sedurifa 0, Hugnatan 0, Faundo 0
Alaska 78-Henton 23, Casio 18, Manuel 10, Abueva 8, Racal 8, Enciso 3, Banchero 3, Exciminiano 2, Pascual 2, Mendoza 1, Thoss 0, Baclao 0, Galliguez 0
Quarterscores: 28-22, 58-35, 78-59, 106-78
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
Meralco 106-Durham 26, Tolomia 24, Amer 17, Newsome 10, De Ocampo 10, Hodge 8, Lanete 5, Nabong 3, Caram 2, Atkins 0, Yeo 0, Sedurifa 0, Hugnatan 0, Faundo 0
Alaska 78-Henton 23, Casio 18, Manuel 10, Abueva 8, Racal 8, Enciso 3, Banchero 3, Exciminiano 2, Pascual 2, Mendoza 1, Thoss 0, Baclao 0, Galliguez 0
Quarterscores: 28-22, 58-35, 78-59, 106-78
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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