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| (images from the PBA/Inquirer) |
Game Capsules (adapted from Interaksyon):
MERALCO BOLTS over NLEX ROAD WARRIORS, 104-97
Box Scores.
The Meralco Bolts faced a big test against sister team NLEX but made some big plays down the stretch to hurdle the Road Warriors, 104-97, and advance to the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal round on Monday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco, which finished the elimination round at No. 2 with an 8-3 record, moved safely into the next round as they held a twice-to-beat advantage over seventh-seeded NLEX.
They fell behind by as many as 12 points in the first half but held steady as they climbed back into the game and eventually sealed it in the dying seconds.
Reynel Hugnatan led Meralco with 20 points alongside seven rebounds, while Cliff Hodge added 19 points and nine boards.
Jared Dillinger added 18 markers and Chris Newsome posted 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists to boost the Bolts’ cause. Import Arinze Onuaku had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
NLEX’s prolific import Al Thornton had 38 points, while Garvo Lanete added 21 for the Road Warriors, who bowed out of the playoffs.
Lines of the Game:
Cliff Hodge (MER) - 19pts, 9rebs, 1blk.
Al Thornton (NLX) - 38pts, 14rebs, 4asts, 2blks, 13/25 FGs.
HIGHLIGHTS:
STAR HOTSHOTS over SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN, 108-99
Box Scores.
The Star Hotshots kept their playoff campaign alive after stunning No. 1 seed San Miguel, 108-99, to open their Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series on Monday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, though, hold a twice-to-beat advantage in the series, which means the teams will now go to a do-or-die game for a spot in the semifinals.
Star, which finished the elimination round in eighth place with a 5-6 record, trailed by 11 points at the halftime break but mustered a big second half showing to turn the game around. They went on a late 14-0 run in the fourth quarter that all but assured the victory for the Hotshots.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe starred with 33 big points and 29 huge rebounds – 12 of those on the offensive end. He shot an efficient 16-for-29 (55-percent) clip from the field.
He also had plenty of local support, though, with Allein Maliksi scoring 23 points and Peter June Simon delivering 22 points on only 13 shot attempts.
The two teams face off again on Wednesday to determine which team advances to the next round.
June Mar Fajardo led the way for SMB with 24 points, while import Tyler Wilkerson had 22.
Lines of the Game:
Ricardo Ratliffe (STA) - 33pts, 29rebs, 2asts, 1blk, 16/29 FGs.
Tyler Wilkerson (SMB) - 22pts, 14rebs, 3blks, 2asts.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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