Meralco spoils James Yap's comeback, rips ROS to open PBA Governors' Cup

A week after he conceded 53 points in pre-conference play, KJ McDaniels outplayed Michael Qualls to formally open the PBA Governors' Cup. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Meralco sizzled in the second half to clip Rain Or Shine, 105-87, at the start of the PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

After both teams found their offensive rhythm in the first half, the Bolts stifled the Elasto Painters in the final 24 minutes of action, outscoring them, 51-33 to pull away for the victory.

KJ McDaniels led Meralco with 27 points, 23 rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Chris Banchero added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Chris Newsome finished with 10 points, five rebounds, six assists, and one steal in his first game after four months in injury bay, but he got the last laugh over James Yap in the battle of comeback players.

Rey Nambatac paced ROS with 21 points, two rebounds, and one assist in a game where Michael Qualls, who exploded for 53 points in their pre-conference clash last week, was held to just 14 markers.

Qualls, though, had 15 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block as well.

Yap also tallied 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 14 minutes of play in his first game back since last year's elections.

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