Durham leads the charge as Meralco stops Star’s endgame rally

MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts contained a late surge from the Star Hotshots, holding on to a 96-90 decision in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday, September 9 at the Sta. Rosa Multipurpose Complex in Laguna. 

With both squads looking to get back on the winning track, the Bolts wasted no time in getting on the board as they built a comfortable double-digit advantage to keep Star at bay for the first 3 frames. 

But their 20-point lead soon dwindled down as the Hotshots, led by star reinforcement Malcolm Hill, sparked a rally late in the final period to go within striking distance, 85-91. 

The Bolts escaped danger as Chris Newsome converted a layup on the other side that gave his team a 8-point cushion and the momentum to pull away with the victory.

Durham filled the stats line with another huge double-double of 29 points and 27 rebounds, along with 7 assists for Meralco.

Chris Newsome added 17 markers, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Cliff Hodge and Baser Amer had 15 and 13, respectively. 

Hill meanwhile paced Star with a double-double of his own of 28 markers and 10 boards, while Jio Jalalon listed 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. 

The Hotshots were coming off a Manila Clasico loss on Sunday, when the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings prevailed in a thrilling 105-101 overtime contest. 

Meralco is now at 6-2 while Star absorbed its 3rd straight defeat in the season-ending conference to drop to 4-3. 

Scores: 

Meralco (96) – Durham 29, Newsome 17, Hodge 15, Amer 13, Lanete 11, Tolomia 7, Dillinger 2, Hugnatan 2, Sedurifa 0, Caram 0, Nabong 0. 

Star (90) – Hill 28, Jalalon 15, Sangalang 11, Lee 9, Maliksi 7, Ramos 7, Pingris 6, Barroca 5, Brondial 0, Dela Rosa 0, Simon 0, Melton 0. 

Quarter scores: 32-15, 59-41, 74-67, 96-90. – Rappler.com