PBA Govs' Cup: NorthPort, Meralco resume QF hunt

NorthPort import Michael Qualls exploded for 36 points the last time out, and hopes to continue his trigger-happy ways Sunday. PBA Media Bureau

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA -- NorthPort and Meralco are hell-bent in their chase for a quarterfinal slot as they tackle separate opponents in the penultimate playing date of the 2019 PBA Governors' Cup Sunday at the Big Dome. 

Fresh from its shock 102-94 win over first-placers NLEX Road Warriors last Wednesday, the Batang Pier (4-6) seeks to sustain the momentum as it takes on twice-to-beat-assured Barangay Ginebra (7-3) in the main game at 6:45 p.m.

A win will assure the boys of coach Pido Jarencio a free pass to the top 8, but will have to do that against a tough Ginebra side, who got the second twice-to-beat spot with a win over Columbian Dyip  last Friday. 

Import Michael Qualls will again be the force for the Batang Pier, but hopes to pull ample scoring  support from big man Christian Standhardinger and the rest of the local crew.

Allen Durham and the rest of the Meralco Bolts shoots for a top 2 finish as it battles Rain Or Shine. PBA Media Bureau.

Meralco (8-2), on the other hand, will trade baskets with a Rain Or Shine team fighting from its tournament life in the 4:30 p.m. curtain-raiser.

The Bolts, back from a week-long break, will be targeting no less than second place in the standings  and go into the next round on a six-game winning streak.

Baser Amer is expected to be in full recovery from a groin injury, while Anjo Caram hopes to continue his fiery form after his 30-point outburst in Meralco's win over NorthPort last Nov. 10.  And of course, reinforcement Allen Durham will again be a pillar of strength on both ends.

As for the Elasto Painters, a loss will put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

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