Chris Newsome of Meralco delivers 8n b8g win against NLEX. PBA photo
Bolts roll to semis vs Kings
MERALCO relied on another all-around performance by Fil-Am Chris Banchero and a solid defensive work to roll back NLEX, 100-81, and arrange a semifinal duel against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Rizal Coliseum.
Banchero came through with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes of action as the Bolts finished off the Road Warriors behind a 24-11 surge in the payoff period.
Banchero was later named the “Best Player of the Game” honors.
The Luigi Trillo-mentored Bolts also got double-digit scores from Cliff Hodge and Allein Maliksi, who added 14 points apiece, Bong Quinto, who contributed 13 points; Chris Newsome, who had 12 and Raymond Almazan, who had 10.
Robert Bolick topscored for NLEX with 18 points, but he was held to only four points in the second half. He also went 6-of-18 frm the floor, including 2-of-8 from the rainbow territory.
Bolick’s production was also a far cry from his 48-point explosion in NLEX’s 93-97 setback to Meralco in the series opener last May 10.
Dominic Fajardo added 15 points and six rebounds, Robbie Herndon contributed 11 points and Richie Rodger had 10 points and seven assists for the Road Warriors.
“In the first half, we fought through couples of lead changes. In terms of defense, we let them do their things. But in the second half, we had the lockdown defense that we needed to do,” said Trillo when asked about is assessment about the game.
Trillo said his players will be ready for their semifinal series against the Kings.
“That’s gonna be another good series, but they’re altogether a different animal now,” said Trillo of the Kings.
“At least we’re going to that series with some rest and preparation unlike if we’re to go to a Game Three with NLEX,” added Trillo.
The scores:
Meralco (100)— Banchero 23, Hodge 14, Maliksi 14, Quinto 13, Newsome 12, Almazan 10, Caram 5, Torres 5, Pasaol 2, Bates 2.
NLEX (81) — Bolick 18, Fajardo 15, Herndon 11, Rodger 10, Semerad 9, Amer 5, Marcelo 5, Valdez 5, Miranda 3, Nieto 0, Anthony 0.
Quarterscores: 27-26, 52-49, 76-70, 100-81.
Games Wednesday:
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
4:30 p.m. — San Miguel vs. Terrafirma
7:30 p.m. — TNT vs. Rain or Shine
