Meralco bounces back with win vs NorthPort to enter PBA Govs' Cup QFs

Brandon Bates muscles his way for a dunk. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Meralco recovered from its tough second-round defeat to TNT as it trampled NorthPort, 114-104, in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

After both exploded offensively in the first quarter, the Bolts banked on a better defense to nip the Batang Pier as the former formally booked its place in the crossover quarterfinals.

Allen Durham led Meralco, which moved up to 6-2, a half-game behind TNT, which also clinched a quarterfinal berth, for the top spot in Group A, with 23 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Chris Newsome added 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block, while Chris Banchero chipped in 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Arvin Tolentino led NorthPort with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, but the team missed Venky Jois dearly the rest of the way after he suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter.

The loss dropped the Batang Pier to 3-5, opening an opportunity for the Converge FiberXers, who will play the Terrafirma Dyip later Saturday, to create a longer gap in the race for fourth place.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno