Games Wednesday:
(Ynares Center Antipolo)
3 p.m. — Blackwater vs. Magnolia
5:45 p.m. — Ginebra vs Terrafirma

MERALCO turned to the trio of KJ McDaniels, Aaron Black and Chris Banchero to stav eoff Phoenix Super LPG, 92-86, and boost its chance to make it to the top four with a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

McDaniels finished with 19 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, four steals, and five blocks before fouling out after playing nearly 45 minutes to power the Bolts to their second straight win and seventh in 11 games overall.

Black added 18 points, six rebounds and three assists and Banchero contributed 13 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Bolts, who overcame the absence of Allein Maliksi due to a one-game suspension.

Cliff Hodge also produced double-digit scores with 12 points.

The Norman Black-mentored Bolts actually saw their 15-point lead reduce to only six twice in the final 52.6 seconds.

But Meralco’s strong defense enabled it to frustrate Phoenix, which failed to come any closer.

Du’vaughn Maxwell topscoe with 29 points and nine rebbunds for Phoenix, which finished its elimination round campaign with a 4-7 win-los record.

Rookie Encho Serranoadded 20 points on 6-of-12 shooting and nine rebound in nearly 25 minutes of play for coach Jamike Jarin.

The Fuel Masters, however, can still secure the No. 8 spot and an outright quarterfinal round berth if NorthPort (3-7) loses to TNT Tropang Giga in its final assignment on Wednesday.

The Batang Pier can force a playoff against the Fuel Masters for the eighth and last playoffs spot. with a victory over the Tropang Giga.

The scores:

Meralco ( 92) — McDaniels 19, Black 18, Banchero 13, Hodge 12, Quinto 9, Newsome 8, Almazan 7, Caram 3, Pasaol 3, Jose 0. Phoenix (86) — Maxwell 29, Serrano 20, Perkins 13, Tio 7, Jazul 6, Camacho 3, Muyang 2, Manganti 2, Mocon2, Garcia 2, Lalata 0, Alejandro 0. Quarterscores: 23-22, 47-49, 73-68, 92-86.