Header Ads Widget

Meralco whips Columbian to near QF bonus

Allen Durham dominated again for the Bolts. PBA Media Group
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Meralco placed one foot into a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals after downing Columbian, 92-74, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.

The Bolts set up their blowout of the Dyip in the first quarter when they opened a 25-11 lead before settling for a 45-29 halftime advantage.

Columbian came alive in the third quarter, opening the period with 10 straight points to cut the lead to just six, 45-39.

The team eventually matched its first half output in the entirety of the third canto.

But Meralco finally zapped Columbian's last comeback gasp after pulling away for good in the final frame.

Allen Durham put up 34 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists for the Bolts, who moved up to 7-2.

Raymond Almazan added 18 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks.

CJ Perez put up made 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals for the Dyip, whose playoff hopes hit a crucial roadblock as they fell to 4-6.

Khapri Alston added 19 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno