Meralco claims first semis seat

Allein Maliksi played his best game as a Bolt scoring 23 points highlighted by four triples to lead his new team to the next round. #MeralcoBolts #PBAGovernorsCup #AlleinMaliksi

The Bolts drew 28 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists from import Allen Durham. (Roman Prospero)

Meralco drew a solid game from Allein Maliksi and fended off the rally of Alaska for a 94-84 victory that sent it to the semifinal round of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Maliksi played his best game as a Bolt scoring 23 points highlighted by four triples to lead his new team to the next round against the winner of TNT KaTropa-Magnolia quarterfinal series.

“It was a tough game for us. There were times in the game where I thought we had control but Alaska fought back and gave us a scare near the end,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black, who drew 28 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists from import Allen Durham.

“It’s a good thing we were able to make free throws down the stretch. It’s a good team effort today especially on the defensive end. AD (Durham) played his regular game and helped us win but credit to Allein Maliksi who played his best game for us,” said Black.

The former Blackwater forward missed the team’s last elimination game due to a shoulder injury but came out strong in the quarterfinal match.

After trailing most of the way, the Aces staged a rally in the fourth period and cut Meralco’s lead to 75-79 on Simon Enciso’s two free throws with 6:45 left in the game.

The Bolts responded with a 13-6 run capped by back-to-back baskets of Maliksi to put the game out of the Elite’s reach, 92-81, with a minute remaining.

“I’m thankful to my coaches and teammates because they give me confidence to play my game,” said Maliksi, who shot 7-of-11 from the field.

Jvee Casio led Alaska with 20 points off the bench while Enciso and Franko House added 16 and 11 markers, respectively.

Veteran forward Vic Manuel was held down to just nine markers on 4-of-12 shooting the field for the Aces, who needed to win five of their last six games in the elims to get the last slot in the quarters.