LUCENA, Quezon — Meralco banked on a solid first half and crucial baskets to turn back Ginebra, 104-102, in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at the Quezon Convention Center here on Friday night.
The Bolts surged late in the first quarter and continued their brilliance in the second quarter as they raced to a 61-42 lead late in the first half.
The Barangay, however, crawled back in the third quarter and forced a 70-all deadlock with 2:31 remaining in the frame.
Meralco recovered later in the third and eventually sealed the deal with crucial triples from Baser Amer for the 101-91 count with 2:12 left in the fourth period.
Ginebra had one last push, cutting the lead down to two with 3.1 seconds left, but the team failed to foul Nico Salva to stop the clock, and Salva milked the remaining time.
Allen Durham made 21 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block to lead Meralco, which tied the series at one game apiece.
Amer and Chris Newsome each added 17 points.
Justin Brownlee erupted for 35 points, 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block, while Stanley Pringle chipped in 23 markers, 10 boards, and four dimes for Ginebra.
The series will shift back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City for Game 3 on Sunday night. (PNA)
