Meralco bounces back in time to pip NorthPort for 2-0 start

The Bolts preserved a 30-20 game from KJ McDaniels. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Meralco got its bearings back in the final two and a half minutes of play to depose NorthPort, 107-102, in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Bolts averted a collapse that even saw the Batang Pier taking a 97-96 lead with 2:50 left when Bong Quinto sparked their endgame dominance by converting a three-point play to retake the lead, 99-97, with 2:27 left.

Meralco then leaned on clutch free throws from KJ McDaniels, Chris Newsome, and Allein Maliksi at the end to ice the game with Newsome even scoring on a fadeaway in between.

McDaniels finished with 32 points, 22 rebounds, four assists, and one steal to lead the Bolts, who tied the Converge FiberXers at the top of the team standings at 2-0.

Newsome added 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block.

Marcus Weathers put up 29 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks, while Roi Sumang added 23 points, three rebounds, six assists, and three steals for the Batang Pier, who fell to 0-2.

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