Meralco stays unbeaten in PBA Governor’s Cup with close win over Alaska

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

4:15 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Talk ‘N Text

6:30 p.m.- Petron Blaze vs. Ginebra

The Meralco Bolts squeezed out a close 81-78 win over the Alaska Aces to stay unbeaten in the 36th PBA Governors’ Cup last night in Lanao del Norte.

The Bolts joined the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the top of the standings with their second straight win, opening the season-ending tournament with the string of wins despite missing several key players.

Meralco, which is missing the services of the injured Mark Cardona, Marlou Aquino, Chris Ross and Chris Timberlake, started the tournament with a 105-100 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters.

The Bolts jumped to an early 22-8 lead but Cyrus Baguio keyed a torrid second quarter run for the Aces, who took a 42-37 lead at the half.

The Bolts recovered in the third and a 12-0 run to end the third gave them a 63-56 lead going into the fourth.

Meralco was in control in the fourth but Alaska had the chance to turn the game around.

LA Tenorio had the opportunity to send the game into overtime but missed a three-point shot at the buzzer.

Freethrow shooting woes hurt the Aces badly as they missed nine attempts from the charity stripe.

Champ Oguchi paced the Bolts with 28 points, while Gabby Espinas tallied 16 points, 12 rebounds and one block to win the Best Player of the Game accolade.

Solomon Mercado also scored 16 points for the Bolts.

Jason Forte topped the Aces with 22 points, while Cyrus Baguio added 20 markers.

Baguio was the lone double- digit local scorer for the Aces, who have yet to taste a win since trading away Joe Devance.