LAGUNA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts are a game away from another trip to the finals of the PBA Governors’ Cup after thrashing the Star Hotshots, 98-74, in Game 2 of their best-of-five semis clash at the Sta. Rosa Multi-purpose Complex in Laguna on Tuesday, Oct. 3. 

The Bolts’ 24-point blowout was a fresh sight for the team with their last three wins coming in the way of a comeback.

After scoring just 7 points in the first quarter of Game 1 before rallying in the fourth, Meralco was simply too hot from the get-go today. 

The Bolts led 18-3 early before ending the first half with a 53-32 advantage as they shot a stellar 62 percent, with 18 of their 21 conversions being assisted. 

Meralco’s onslaught did not stop in the first half as it zoomed into a 30-point lead in the third quarter, 73-43, its largest of the game. 

“We did a good job today from start to finish. Offensively and defensively, we did very very well,” said Meralco coach Norman Black. 

“I thought we did a much better job of beating their pressure defense right from the start of the game. We didn’t get hit in the face like the way we did last game. This time, we were ready for the blow and acted immediately.” 

Allen Durham paced the Bolts with 18 points, 25 boards, 5 assists and 3 blocks while Ranidel de Ocampo and Jared Dillinger combined for 36 markers, highlighted by 9 treys. 

Baser Amer added 16 points, 14 coming in the first half, and 8 assists while Newsome chipped in 10. 

It was an atrocious offensive night for the Hotshots as they buried only 32 percent of their attempts and had more turnovers (13) than assists (11). 

Mark Barroca and Alvin Abundo were the lone Star players to finish in double figures with 16 and 14 points, respectively. 

Game 3 of the Star-Meralco clash will be held at the Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Scores

Meralco (98): Durham 18, De Ocampo 18, Dillinger 18, Amer 16, Newsome 10, Hodge 9, Tolomia 7, Faundo 2, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0, Lanete 0, Sedurifa 0, Yeo 0.

Star (74): Barroca 16, Abundo 14, Acox 9, Ramos 8, Sangalang 6, Melton 5, Pingris 5, dela Rosa 4, Reavis 4, Brondial 3, Gamalinda 0, Jalalon 0, Lee 0, Pascual 0, Simon 0. 

Quarter scores: 30-11, 53-32, 78-48, 98-74

– Rappler.com