Meralco demolishes Terrafirma by 42 points
Meralco ensured they carried significant momentum into the playoffs by decisively overpowering Terrafirma in a staggering 42-point victory, 124-82, to conclude their elimination rounds in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The Bolts, already secured a place in the quarterfinals, demonstrated no mercy as they dominated a depleted Dyip squad, achieving their largest winning margin in franchise history just days before the official start of the quarterfinals.
With this win, Meralco finished the group stage with a commendable 7-3 record, clinching the second seed in Group A. This positions them for a best-of-five showdown against the third seed from Group B, which will be determined between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel.
The Dyip, who were without last game’s standout Stanley Pringle, as well as Christian Standhardinger and Juami Tiongson, posed little threat to the Bolts. Meralco seized control early, establishing a commanding double-digit lead of 34-15 in the opening quarter, essentially sealing the outcome.
Allen Durham scored 14 points, with a significant contribution of 10 points coming during the pivotal first-quarter onslaught. He also recorded seven rebounds and three assists, showcasing his all-around game.
Seizing the opportunity for extended playing time was Alvin Pasaol, who led all scorers with 21 points, most of which came in the final quarter when the game was already decided.
CJ Cansino added 15 points, while Raymar Jose and Brandon Bates contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively. Head coach Luigi Trillo enjoyed the luxury of resting his starters after the lead swelled to as much as 33 points, 62-29, at one point in the third quarter.
On the other side, Terrafirma endured its fifth most lopsided defeat in franchise history, wrapping up a disappointing conference that saw the Dyip finish at the bottom of Group A with a dismal 1-9 record.
Antonio Hester led Terrafirma with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Louie Sangalang chimed in with 17 points, but their efforts were not enough to turn the tide against the relentless Bolts.
