The Bolts and the Picanto clash at 6:45 p.m. then the tourney takes a brief break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ participation in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut Lebanon starting Tuesday.
Meralco Bolts kept its perfect run going in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup after cruising past the listless KIA Picanto, 112-97, on Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco and Kia are actually spared of a single player loaned to the Gilas for the Lebanon joust. The Bolts, however, lend Baser Amer to the Gilas quintet to the SEA Games basketball competition on Aug. 19-30.
The Bolts and the Picanto mix it up in a duel between a hot unbeaten team and a side winless in four starts in the season-ending tourney.
Meralco Bolts vs KIA Picanto
EVENTS: 2017 PBA GOVERNORS CUP
Reigning Best Import Allen Durham notched a triple-double of 25 points, 13 boards, and 11 assists along with two blocks. Chris Newsome produced 19 markers, five boards and seven dimes, while Baser Amer and Garvo Lanete added 17 and 14 markers, respectively, for the Bolts’ fourth consecutive victory.
With a clean 4-0 slate, Meralco stayed at the top of the team standings while sending KIA to a 0-5 start.
Meralco jumped on a 26-15 first quarter edge and never looked back since then as it enjoyed a lead as high as 24 at some point in the second half.
With great ball movement, the team tallied 31 assists and had better shot selection, going 44-of-87 from the field.
Markeith Cummings paced the Picanto with 20 points and seven rebounds and two assists, while Reden Celda continued with his effective showing after producing 17 points and four dimes.