By Adrian Stewart Co
Ilonggo Anjo Caram came up with clutch triples as Meralco Bolts cruised to a 95-83 victory over Terrafirma Dyip in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
After seeing its double-digit lead trimmed to 79-81 midway in the fourth quarter, Caram drilled two three-pointers to spearhead a 12-0 scoring blast for a 93-79 lead with under a minute left.
Caram finished the match with 13 points, including three outside conversions, as the Bolts remained at second place in the standings with 6-2 win-loss record.
Kier John Quinto, Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan tallied 17, 12 and 11 markers, respectively, while Bacolodnon Reynel Hugnatan and Alvin Pasaol added 10 points each for the Bolts.
On Wednesday night, defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings (4-5) recovered from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (4-6), 94-87.
Down 80-69 early in the fourth period, the Kings went on a 14-1 scoring run behind Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger and Aljon Mariano to seize an 83-81 lead with over five minutes left.
After forcing deadlock four times, Pringle surged Ginebra ahead 89-87 with under two minutes remaining before Tenorio drilled a triple with a minute left to secure the Kings’ win.
Pringle finished the match with conference-high 31 points, Tenorio added 23 markers, while Standhardinger had double-double 21 points and 12 rebounds for Barangay Ginebra.
In the first game, TNT Tropang Giga (9-1) secured the top-seed and twice-to-beat incentive in the playoffs after a 102-92 triumph over NorthPort Batang Pier (4-4). Mikey Williams topped the Tropang Giga with 29 points./ASC, WDJ