Jun 17, 2018

Meralco halts Alaska's 7-game win streak


MERALCO put to halt Alaska's winning streak in the PBA Commissioner's Cup following a methodical 89-74 victory Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts went on a third quarter tear behind the trio of Chris Newsome, Jared Dillinger, and import Arinze Onuaku to finally take control of the game pitting two of the league's most disciplined teams.

Meralco outscored Alaska during that critical period, 32-17, to stretch a slim one-point edge at the half to 73-57 heading to the final quarter.

The fourth straight win by the Bolts tied them with their victim at second place with similar 7-2 records as the Aces' conference-long seventh straight win finally came to an end.

"Critical game for us if we wanted to try to get that twice-to-beat advantage. Now that we were able to beat Alaska at least we can now start to focus on that," said winning coach Norman Black.
Sponsored content:

"Once again it was a good team effort on our part."

Indeed, it was as six Meralco players finished in double figures led by the 18 of Chris Newsome, who also had eight assists and four rebounds. Dillinger and Baser Amer added 17 each, while Onuaku was simply a force inside with 14 points and 23 rebounds.

Newsome, Dillinger, and Onuaku combined for 23 of Meralco 32 points during that huge third quarter run.

Amer meanwhile, finished 4-of-8 from three-point range, while Newsome was 3-of-4.

"Our defense was exceptional tonight to be able to hold down the Alaska team. In addition to that we really have good balance scoring on the offensive end, a lot of guys contributed offensively so there's a good balance," added Black, who also got major contributions from KG Canaleta (10 pts) and Ranidel de Ocampo (10 pts).
Sponsored content:

The Aces' first loss since April 27 against league leader Rain or Shine (109-103) put to naught another huge scoring effort by Vic Manuel, who poured 22 points including 10 in the final quarter when the team made a mini rally that just fell short in the end.

Manuel's output was the eighth straight 20-plus point performance for the veteran forward this conference, the longest by any player since Terrence Romeo had nine in a row while still with Globalport during the 2016 Philippine Cup.

With 'Muscle Man' taking charge, Alaska opened the final quarter behind eight consecutive unanswered points to pull within 73-65.

But following a timeout, Meralco countered with an 11-0 run, including five in a row by Dillinger to hike the lead to its biggest at 84-65 and virtually take the fight out of the Aces.

Import Antonio Campbell's 25-point, 14-rebound effort led Alaska's losing cause.(GR)

he scores:

Meralco 89 - Newsome 18, Dillinger 17, Amer 17, Onuaku 14, Canaleta 11, De Ocampo 10, Hugnatan 2, Hodge 0, Caram 0, Lanete 0.

Alaska 74 - Campbell 25, Manuel 22, Banchero 13, Casio 5, Thoss 4, Pascual 3, Enciso 2, Racal 0, Exciminiano 0, Baclao 0.

Quarters: 23-19, 41-40, 73-57, 89-74.