MERALCO NIPS GINEBRA, MOVES UP TO JOINT 5TH

Meralco squeaked past Ginebra, 102-99, to notch its fifth win in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Andre Emmett broke a 99-99 deadlock by scoring on a tough drive with 32.9 ticks remaining.

The Bolts’ defense suffocated Orlando Johnson on his drive in the ensuing play, forcing a turnover which turned to an Emmett split from the line with 16.2 seconds left.

Ginebra seemed lost in the final play as Meralco collapsed on Johnson, forcing him to give up the ball to Greg Slaughter, who then passed the rock to Sol Mercado who could not convert on a last-gasp trey in hopes of tying the game at the buzzer.

Emmett finished with 34 points, four rebounds and four assists to lead Meralco to its fifth win in nine assignments and a share of fifth spot alongside idle Rain or Shine.

Jared Dillinger and Reynel Hugnatan got 12 markers apiece, with Gary David chipping in 10.

“That was a thrilling win for us. It was a gutsy win,” said coach Norman Black. “It was a great game between two teams that really needed a win and this has given us a little bit of breathing room playing against Rain or Shine in our next game.”

Johnson had 25 points tp pace Ginebra, which dropped to 3-6 and is in danger of missing the vus to the playoffs.

Greg Slaughter had 21 markers and six boards, while Japeth Aguilar tallied a double-double with his 18 points and 12 rebounds, alongside three rejections in the defeat. (RL)

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