Devance, Aguilar lead way in Ginebra triumph over Meralco

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Joe Devance had a team-high 19 points with 6 rebounds while Japeth Aguilar produced a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel powered past the Meralco Bolts, 83-72, in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, January 14 in Iloilo City.

The Gin Kings pick up their fourth win in 8 games in a rematch of the 2016 Governors’ Cup Finals against the Bolts barely 3 months ago.

After trailing by a point at halftime, Ginebra regained control with a 17-10 third quarter spurt and ran away with a double-digit lead through most of the payoff period, which was enough to survive Meralco’s last-minute comeback attempt. 

Aguilar fouled out inside the final minute as Ginebra relaxed and Meralco came to within 7 points. 

LA Tenorio wound up with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists as Sol Mercado chipped in 9 markers.

Scottie Thompson had another impressive showing of 7 points with 16 rebounds, 7 assists, and only a single turnover.

Reynel Hugnatan, who also fouled out with the game already decided, had 18 points mostly off of 10-of-12 free throws. He was unproductive from the field with just 3-of-14 shots.

Chris Newsome contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Baser Amer had 11 markers for the Bolts, who got pummeled on the boards, 63-45, and on points in the paint, 34-14.

Meralco is toiling at the cellar with a 2-7 record.

Scores:

Ginebra (83): Devance 19, Tenorio 18, Aguilar 17, Mercado 9, Thompson 7, Caguioa 4, Ferrer 4, Ellis 3, Marcelo 2, Cruz 0, Mariano 0, Taha 0.

Meralco (72): Hugnatan 18, Newsome 14, Amer 11, Caram 6, Yeo 6, Bono 5, Hodge 5, Faundo 4, Daquioag 3, Grey 0, Nabong 0.

Quarter scores: 14-23, 39-40, 56-50, 83-72.

 – Rappler.com