No comeback took place this time, as the Meralco Bolts’ fiery start led to a total demolition of the Star Hotshots, 98-74, in Game Two of their 2017 Governor’s Cup semifinal series, Tuesday night at the Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
The Bolts now own a commanding 2-0 lead in the semis, and are a win away from booking a return trip to the conference finals. They will have a chance to do so in Game Three this Thursday, October 6.
“We did a good job of sustaining it from start to finish,” lauded Meralco coach Norman Black. “We executed on both ends greatly. It was a total team effort, led by AD (Allen Durham) and JD (Jared Dillinger).”
Allen Durham was at the forefront of Meralco’s attack with 18 points and 25 rebounds. Forwards Ranidel De Ocampo and Jared Dillinger all chipped in 18 markers as well.
The Bolts jumped right out of the gates strong. With their excellent start, they were able to stun the Hotshots completely with a 25-8 lead after Mike Tolomia’s breakaway lay-up with 1:53 remaining in the opening frame.
With their fiery offense continuing, they were able to post a lead as huge as 30, 73-43, after Dillinger’s triple with 3:39 remaining in the third canto.
Star still tried to come back, and even trimmed the gap to 19, 81-62, early in the fourth, but seven straight points by Meralco — ended by another Dillinger trey — restored order, 88-62, more than enough to seal the much-needed victory.
Backcourt partners Baser Amer and Chris Newsome supplied 16 and 10 points respectively for Meralco, who shot 53 percent from the floor, highlighted by 14-of-33 shooting from beyond the arc.
The 32 percent-shooting Star were led by Mark Barroca with 16 points. His only support came off the bench, courtesy of Alvin Abundo with 14 markers. Kristofer Acox fell short of a double-double with nine points and 12 caroms.
Game Three will be at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Meralco 98 – Dillinger 18, De Ocampo 18, Durham 18, Amer 16, Newsome 10, Hodge 9, Tolomia 7, Faundo 2, Yeo 0, Lanete 0, Sedurifa 0, Caram 0, Hugnatan 0.
Star 74 – Barroca 16, Abundo 14, Acox 9, Ramos 8, Sangalang 6, Melton 5, Pingris 5, Reavis 4, Dela Rosa 4, Brondial 3, Lee 0, Jalalon 0, Simon 0, Gamalinda 0.
Quarterscores: 30-11, 53-32, 78-48, 98-74.
