Meralco put its twice-to-beat advantage into good use and beat Alaska, 94-84, to become the first team to enter the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals Sunday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Allen Durham produced a near-triple-double of 28 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Bolts, who last made it to the semis back in last year’s season-ending conference.
Allein Maliksi played his best game as an Orangeman as he finished with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field as Chris Newsome provided 17 markers, five boards, two dimes, and a steal.
Meralco will now wait for the winner between TNT and Magnolia in the other bracket for its semis foes.
“Really good team effort today,” said coach Norman Black. “I have to give a lot of credit to Allein Maliksi who played his best game for us this conference. He gave us a big lift offensively.”
The Bolts seized control of the match early as they posted a 49-27 lead in the second chapter but the Aces fought in the next frame and knocked to within just three points, 58-61.
But Meralco soon restored order. From a five-point lead, Raymond Almazan and Durham joined hands for a 6-0 run to give their side an 88-77 lead with 2:41 left to play to keep Alaska at bay.
“There were times where I thought we had control of the game, but that didn’t really seem to be the case, because Alaska fought back, and they were able to give us a scare,” Black said.
The Bolts are also hoping for the best for Almazan as the 6-foot-8 center hurt his left leg with 4:57 left in the game.
Jvee Casio finished with 20 points to set the pace for Alaska, who made it all the way to the Finals of last year’s meet before bowing to Romeo Travis and the Hotshots in six games.
Simon Enciso made 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists while import Franko House had 11 and nine for the Aces, who made it to the quarters even after starting the tilt at 0-5.
The Scores:
Meralco 94 – Durham 28, Maliksi 23, Newsome 17, Almazan 8, Amer 6, Faundo 4, Caram 4, Quinto 2, Hodge 2, Pinto 0.
Alaska 84 – Casio 20, Enciso 16, House 11, Manuel 9, Tratter 7, Herndon 5, Ayaay 5, Thoss 4, Ahanmisi 4, Racal 3, Galliguez 0, Brondial 0.
Quarterscores: 29-12, 49-34, 73-63, 94-84.
