Manila, Philippines – October 03, 2016 Semi-final match between TNT and Meralco Bolts.
Meralco Bolts clinch first finals appearance since their franchise joining the PBA in 2010, Cliff Hodge 32 point production sent home the TNT (94-88). No one would expect the outcome of this series because the TNT is the favorite team to enter the FINALS as they only loss one game (10-1) in the Governor’s Cup season.
PBA images
Meralco and TNT both started slow since the first and second period when TNT ended with a 5 point lead in the opening period and (44-40) in the second quarter in favor of the TNT. After a slow start in 2 periods, Meralco Bolts find a rhythm in the third quarter (56-55) their first lead. Jason Castro got his technical on the other end that send Alapag to take 1 free throw plus a ball position. That was the momentum of the Bolts that never look back TNT. Meralco is so lucky when Ammons pick-up his 4th personal foul with 2:50 minutes to play and leading 3 to end the third quarter (61-64).
Meralco Bolts went a 6-0 run (62-70) in the final period with 10 minutes to play. But TNT slowly cut that leads to only 2 points (72-70) with 6:39 minutes to play. Meralco Bolts answered back 5-0 run to extend the lead again to 7 (77-70). But when Jason Castro ejected in the game after picking up his 2nd technical foul that send him to the locker room with more than 2 minutes to play. Their late run never stop the Bolts entering the FINALS.
Game 3 best player of the game Hugnatan added 16 points in the game.
TNT who dominated the Governor’s Cup 2016 season loss thrice in a row to Meralco Bolts after winning Game 1.
Meralco Bolts will now wait for the winner of Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel.
Quarter scores: 18-23, 40-44, 64-61, 94-88
Scores:
Meralco (94): Hodge 32, Durham 19, Hugnatan 16, Newsome 15, Nabong 4, Alapag 3, Amer 2, Faundo 2, Uyloan 1, Guevarra 0.
TNT (88): Castro 25, De Ocampo 15, Ammons 10, Rosario 10, Tautuaa 8, Fonacier 6, Williams 6, Madanly 5, Reyes 3, Rosales 0.
Disclaimer: The view and opinions expressed in this blog post are that of the author and do not in any way represents the agency or department he/she currently belongs to. Further, this information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any specific provider, service or offering.