MERALCO made sure there would be no frustrating finish this time after crushing Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX), 97-86, on Friday to claim the last semifinal berth of Season 46 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts, relying heavily on a good start, outperformed the Road Warriors in the first half before totally controlling the rest of the way to bounce back from a disappointing 89-90 defeat in their first quarterfinals showdown over NLEX last Wednesday to meet Magnolia in a best-of-seven semifinals.
Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge joined forces in the first half to build a 46-35 cushion and Anjo Caram delivered the finishing kick for the Bolts, who established their biggest advantage, 62-44, late in the third frame. They did not look back from thereon. Newsome posted 23 points, including 10 in the first two quarters, plus nine rebounds, six assists and tw blocks, while Hodge added 10 of his 16 points in the second frame in addition to his nine rebounds and two blocks for Meralco.
Caram delivered 13 of his 16 points in second half on top of six assists and Reynel Hugnatan contributed 11 points.Meralco redeemed itself after losing to NLEX last time behind Calvin Oftana’s winning shot basket that forged a sudden-death game.
The Bolts, who ended No. 2 in the elimination round to secure the second twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals, fortunately didn’t give the Road Warriors another chance to come within striking distance. Don Trollano scored 19 points to lead NLEX while Oftana tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds.