PBA Govs Cup Finals Game 2: Meralco edges Ginebra in Lucena thriller

The Meralco Bolts escaped disaster late to nip Barangay Ginebra, 104-102 in Game 2 of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Friday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.

Allen Durham put up 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists, and had clutch baskets inside of the final minute to carry Meralco to victory.

Raymond Almazan picked up from where he left off in Game 1, scoring 17 points on 7/12 shooting. Baser Amer finished with 17 markers as well, providing the spark for the Bolts.

Coach Norman Black’s wards had a 29-12 disparity in bench points, as Nard Pinto rifled in 12 points while Nico Salva added 9.

The Bolts went up 36-21 after the opening quarter, seizing control and setting the pace for the rest of the game.

But Ginebra bounced back, outscoring their counterparts 30-19 in the 3rd to set up an intense battle in the 4th frame.

But key shots from Meralco’s locals kept Ginebra in catch-up mode.

Durham sank a bucket with 14 seconds left to make it 103-96.

Justin Brownlee then hit a triple to pull Ginebra closer, 103-99.

Durham then split from the free throw line, before LA Tenorio hit another 3 although time ran out as Meralco settled for the 2-point win.

Brownlee had 35 points to lead Ginebra once again, while Stanley Pringle added 23 markers, 10 boards, and 4 dimes.