PBA 2018:
Meralco forces deathmatch, blasts Phoenix, 90-74
November 7, 2018 – Cuneta Astrodome
PBA News 2018: Meralco Bolts forced a quarterfinals deathmatch, as it blasted the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 90-74 in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup this Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome. Import Allen Durham paced the Bolts with his double-double of 26 buckets and 16 boards while Chris Newsome also finished with 16 markers.
Notes:
➤ Former San Beda star guard Baser Amer also added 14 points and drained two clutch threes for the Bolts in crunch time.
➤ Meralco showed their offensive firepower as they shot better on all cylinders against Phoenix, firing 34 of 86 shots for a 39% field goal percentage against Phoenix’s 28 of 93 (30%). The Bolts also connected well from way beyond the arc by making 7 of 23 treys to the Fuel Masters’ 2 of 26 threes made.
➤ Reinforcement Eric Phelps led the losing Phoenix with his own double-double of 27 points and 15 caroms. Meanwhile, temperamental forward Calvin Abueva also chipped-in 18 markers for the Fuel Masters.
➤ Phoenix and Meralco will resume hostilities once more this Friday, November 9 for a do-or-die rubber match and fight for the remaining Semis spot against the Alaska Aces.
Game Scores:
Quarters: 15-17, 33-35, 66-55, 90-74.
meralco: 90
Durham 26, Newsome 16, Amer 14, Canaleta 9, Tolomia 9, Hugnatan 7, Salva 5, Faundo 2, Dillinger 2, Ballesteros 0, Caram 0, Hodge 0, Jamito 0.
phoenix: 74
Phelps 27, Abueva 18, Perkins 9, Wright 8, Chua 6, Intal 4, Jazul 2, Revilla 0, Wilson 0, Kramer 0, Mendoza 0.
Posted on November 8, 2018 - Cuneta Astrodome
Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team