Meralco stuns TNT in Game Four to earn first PBA finals ticket

 

The Meralco Bolts pulled off an 94-88 stunner over Tropang TNT to win their PBA Governors' Cup semifinals series, 3-1, on Monday.

 

With the series victory, the Bolts booked their first championship appearance in the franchise's history.

 

"I'm really happy for the team, for the players. They work hard, they put on the extra work," said Meralco head coach Norman Black after the game. "It's not over yet but I can't be more proud of my players and I'm happy for the Meralco community."

 

Cliff Hodge sizzled for a career-high 32 points to lead the Bolts to victory, while Allen Durham added 19 markers and 16 boards. Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Newsome were also solid, chipping in 16 and 15 points, respectively.

 

It was just a two-point game at the 6:40 mark of the fourth, before Cliff Hodge hit five straight to stretch the lead to seven, 77-70. Jayson Castro tried to chip away at the lead, but each time he was met by makes from Chris Newsome.

 

Nine points from Ranidel De Ocampo and Larry Fonacier made it interesting entering the final minute, as TNT was able to trim the lead to just three, 88-85, but Cliff Hodge nailed a triple of a timeout, while Reynel Hugnatan sank crucial charities to put the game away.  

 

Jayson Castro paced TNT with 25 points, while Ranidel De Ocampo added 15. Troy Rosario and import Mychal Ammons tallied 10 points apiece.

 

Meralco will face the winner of the other bracket between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Beer. The Gin Kings will battle the Beermen in Game Five of their series on Tuesday. — JST/DVM, GMA News