Baser Amer steered the Meralco Bolts to a dominant 101-75 win over the struggling Alaska Aces to return to the win column in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Amer drilled four treys in the third quarter alone, ending up with a total of six. He spearheaded the Bolts’ furious rally that turned a slim four-point lead to a wide 62-46 lead with 5:51 left in the said frame that started the romp.
The fourth-year guard finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and four assists to lead the Bolts in the win that avenged last week’s loss to NLEX.
“The game always becomes easier when you hit three-point shots. So Baser hitting those three-point shots opened the game for us. I hope it becomes a trend,” said coach Norman Black.
Allen Durham fell just an assist short of a rare triple-double. He produced 25 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. Meanwhile, Raymond Almazan made 15 markers and nine boards for Meralco.
The Orangemen led by as many as 30 points, 101-71, following a Jammer Jamito bucket with 1:31 left to play. They then coasted to the 26-point victory that hiked their win-loss card to 2-1.
Chris Banchero and Simon Enciso had 12 points each to lead Alaska, who remain at the bottom of the team standings as it absorbed its fourth loss in as many games.
The humiliating defeat also spoiled the debut of import Franko House, who had eight points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. House is the replacement for the injured Justin Watts.
Both teams will play again on Sunday, October 6, at SMART Araneta Coliseum. Meralco will first face Phoenix Pulse (1-3) at 4:30 p.m. Alaska then battle reigning champs Magnolia at 6:45 p.m.
The Scores:
Meralco (101) — Amer 27, Durham 25, Almazan 15, Newsome 9, Hugnatan 5, Salva 4, Caram 4, Quinto 4, Jamito 4, Faundo 2, Pinto 2, Jackson 0, Canaleta 0, Tolomia 0.
Alaska (75) — Banchero 12, Enciso 12, Thoss 9, Casio 9, Tratter 9, Ayaay 8, House 8, Manuel 8, Pascual 0, Galliguez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22, 43-37, 72-61, 101-75.
