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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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24
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
24
2024
Meralco made it four in a row versus TNT KaTropa from their Governors Cup Final Four showdown as the Bolts inflicted the Texters another sorry loss in their PBA Philippine Cup matchup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
Rookie Ed Daquiaog delivered a game-high 23 points while Chris Newsome came up with a near triple-double job with 11 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as the Bolts topped the Texters, 98-87, to move up to joint second place with the GlobalPort Batang Pier, the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the San Miguel Beermen at 2-1.
The Bolts outscored the Texters on all quarters except in the second frame and went on to spoil Nash Racela’s debut as the new TNT head coach.
While TNT dropped to 2-2, left alone atop the heap was the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 3-1.
“I don’t think we’ve got TNT’s number. It goes in circle. Sometimes, it’s hard to beat a certain team,” said Meralco coach Norman Black of their fourth straight win over the Texters.
“But it’s a big win against the tough TNT team through defense which was important for me,” Black added. “I’d like to applaud my players for their defensive effort. I thought it’s extra-ordinary.”
Daquiaog scored 10 of his 23 in the fourth quarter while Cliff Hodge put in all of his nine markers in the same period as they personally kept the Texters at bay.
From a 45-all halftime count, the Bolts reestablished control in the third and stayed in the lead to the finish.
“Ed Daquiaog stepped up. He’s a rookie but he’s not like a rookie. He doesn’t play like one. He’s a smart kid,” said Black of the former UST gunner who delivered a second straight 23-point game with Meralco.
From an early big deficit, 2-16, the Texters rose up and roared ahead, 40-37, before the first half ended in a logjam at 45-all.
Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams spearheaded the TNT chase, combining for 22 points in the first 24 minutes of play.
But the Bolts reestablished command in the third, 70-61, behind the exploits of big men Reynel Hugnatan, Bryan Faundo and Rabeh Al-Hussaini who outscored the Texters, 25-24, in the quarter.
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