[Saba Sports News] Meralco relied on A balanced offense from Allen Durham and Chris Newsome to take exclusive control of the top of the PBA Governors Cup Group A standings with an 82-74 win over outsiderless Magnolia on Saturday night in Panabo City.
(Source: Getty Image)
With Magnolia new foreign recruit Shabazz Muhammad failing to receive FIBA transfer approval, Durham, facing all-local opponents, contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds to lead Meralco to its third straight win and a 5-1 record in the group.
Meralco’s local players ensured that the three-time foreign recruit of the year did not have to carry the game burden alone.
Newsome scored 21 points with eight rebounds and three assists, while Bong Quinto contributed 16 points to bolster the scoring push.
Chris Banchero also had 10 points, rookie CJ Cansino scored all six in the fourth quarter, Helped the team complete the win in the absence of Allein Maliksi (spur), Aaron Black (MCL), Cliff Hodge (back), Raymond Almazan (knee) and Norbert Torres (dengue).