Meralco stays alive, forces Game 7 vs Ginebra
Meralco Bolts even the finals series, 3-3, forcing a do-or-die game in the 2017 PBA Governor’s Cup Wednesday night at the Philippine Arena.
Photo from PBA Images
The Bolts dominated and finished the game with a 9-point lead, 98-91.
Learning their mistakes from the previous game, the Bolts started strong in the Game 6 of the finals, out dueling the Gin Kings early in the game.
Meralco dominated the 1st half, 54-37, with collective efforts from Garvo Lanete, Allen Durham, Chris Newsome, and Reynel Hugnatan.
The Kings tried to come close in the game, headed by connecting three-point shots from Joe Devance and Justin Brownlee, but they were not enough to lift their team from drought.
The 3rd quarter was an eye-opener for Meralco as Ginebra felt their rhythm with consecutive baskets, making
effective shots both from the inside and outside, and catching the lead, 75-69.
Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio shone in the 4th quarter after burying back-to-back triples, hyping the Ginebra crowd.
Reynel Hugnatan, at the same time, got the spotlight for Meralco as he connected his outside shots that let his team to stay alive in the finals, and securing their lead.
Exchange of 3-point shots were given by both teams at the last seconds of the last quarter, but the game ended in favor of the Bolts.
Hugnatan being the veteran player, was also awarded as the Best Player of the Game, finishing with a game-high 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6/12 3-point field goals.
The do-or-die game is set on Friday, October 7 also at the Philippine Arena.
SCORES:
Meralco (98) – Durham 28, Hugnatan 24, Lanete 15, Newsome 10, Dillinger 9, Amer 6, Hodge 6, Caram 0
Ginebra (91) – Brownlee 23, Slaughter 18, Tenorio 12, Thompson 12, Devance 11, Aguilar 6, Caguioa 6, Ferrer 3, Taha 0
QUARTERS: 29-17, 54-37, 75-69, 98-91.
