Durham delivers as Meralco defeats Phoenix

Allen Durham had an all-around game to lift the Meralco Bolts past the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in the 2017 PBA Governors' Cup.

Durham finished the game with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists, while Garvo Lanete torched Phoenix with 27 points along with six triples. Chris Newsome, meanwhile, netted 18 markers along with eight boards and six assists. Reynel Hugnatan also chipped in 15 points off a high 6 of 10 clip off the bench.

A Jeff Chan jumper with 2:48 remaining tied the game at 99-all, but timely hits from Allen Durham and Reynel Hugnatan stretched Meralco’s lead to four with 61 seconds left.

Brandon Brown was able to fish a foul from three-point territory to try to keep Phoenix close, but Chris Newsome and Garvo Lanete converted on their charities to keep the Fuel Masters at bay.

Brandon Brown led the Fuel Masters with 38 points and nine rebounds but with seven turnovers, while Jeff Chan scorched hot with 27 markers an a 73 percent shooting clip. John Wilson also added 12 off the bench, along with seven boards.

The Bolts improved to 5-1- good enough for second place just behind Star (3-0), while Phoenix slid to ninth place at 2-4.

Sumang scores 32 as Blackwater breaks NLEX

Roi Sumang scored 32 points as the Blackwater Elite recorded a statement win against a tough NLEX squad, 107-106, on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Sumang also had help from import Henry Walker who had 29 points and 15 boards, while Mike Digregorio tallied 19 with a 50 percent shooting clip.

Blackwater led by just one after a fuller layup with 1:15 remaining, 107-106, but NLEX failed to capitalize off back to back misses from Sumang. The two teams failed to score in the final minute, letting the Elite come away with the victory.

Kevin Alas had 19 points and 11 boards for NLEX, while import Aaron Fuller merely matched JR Quinahan’s 13-point output. Larry Fonacier also added 10 markers.

The Road Warriors actually shot better from the field, connecting on half of their attempts while the Elite settled for 43 percent. NLEX also led in rebounds (56-40) and blocks, but they turned the ball over 23 times for Blackwater to convert into 28 points. — DVM, GMA News