By Jay R. Gotera
Saudi Gazette
MANILA — The Meralco Bolts stunned the top-seeded TNT KaTropa Texters with a lopsided 106-91 Game 2 victory to equalize their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series at 1-1 Thursday night.
The Bolts led from start to finish, never giving the Texters any chance to mount a successful comeback.
Game Three of the best-of-five series is set for Saturday.
Import Allen Durham paced Meralco with 31 points and 21 boards, while Chris Newsome made up for his mediocre performance in Game 1 by tallying 17 points, 10 boards, and five assists.
It was only TNT’s second loss of the conference, with its only other loss coming at the hands of the Mahindra Enforcer in the elimination round.
Jimmy Alapag also sizzled for Meralco, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the final quarter, including four three-pointers. Alapag is now just six triples away from surpassing the record set by sharpshooter Allan Caidic, who is regarded as the best three-point shooter in PBA history.
Cliff Hodge added 15 markers. Reynel Hugnatan returned as a starter for Meralco, repaying coach Norman Black by posting 12 points, five assists, and three boards.
Jayson Castro led TNT with 24 points while import Mychal Ammons added 15. Ranidel de Ocampo added 10 markers while rookies Troy Rosario, Moala Tautuaa and Kelly Williams all finished with 9 points apiece.
Game Friday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings (best-of-5 semifinals; series tied at 1-1).
