Meralco hangs on against gritty Star Hotshots

MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts barely escaped with their second victory, 83-81, against a dangerous Star Hotshots in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday, May 17 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Import Andre Emmett led Meralco’s charge with 37 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals, also scoring two key baskets that broke the 77-all deadlock with just over 3 minutes remaining.

Meralco’s Asian import Seiya Ando chipped in 11 markers as his team climbed to 2-2.

Marqus Blakely topscored for the Hotshots with 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals. But he was constantly checked by Meralco as he tallied 10 turnovers.

Joe Devance and Alex Mallari added 15 and 13 points, respectively, for the Star, which fell to 1-2.

Despite his effective overall performance, Emmett nearly cost the Bolts the game with a turnover with 4.2 seconds remaining. 

Emmett received the inbound along the sideline and was immediately double-teamed by Devance and Marc Pingris, causing him to drop the ball and hit his leg as it went out of bounds.

The Star tried to clinch the win with a top-of-the-key triple attempt from Blakely which bounced out. – Rappler.com