Fit-again Allen Durham dominates as Meralco zaps NorthPort 

MANILA, Philippines – As he slowly regains his old form, Meralco Bolts reinforcement Allen Durham just reminded everyone why he’s a three-time PBA Best Import awardee. 

After averaging just 17 points in his first three games back in a Meralco uniform, Durham delivered his finest game yet in the PBA Governors’ Cup as the Bolts defeated the NorthPort Batang Pier, 109-99, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, September 1.

Durham sizzled for a conference-high 36 points on a healthy 13-of-18 field goal clip, while falling one assist short of a triple-double with 16 rebounds and 9 dimes.

Thanks to his monster performance, the Bolts notched their second straight win and tied the TNT Tropang Giga at the top spot in Group A with a 3-1 slate. 

“Still not there yet, but with each day that’s coming, with practices and games, I’m getting better and getting more comfortable with the guys,” said the 36-year-old Durham, who is back with the Bolts for the first time since 2020.

“It’s a marathon, not a [sprint] race. Once I get there, we’re going to be a pretty good team,” the hulking 6-foot-6 forward added.

With Meralco only on top by 5 points, 66-61, midway through the third quarter, Anjo Caram, Durham, and Chris Banchero joined forces for a massive 24-5 rally to push the Bolts’ lead to 24 points heading into the fourth frame, 90-66.

The Batang Pier managed to cut the deficit to just 9 points with still 3:52 to play in the fourth quarter, 95-104, but that was the closest they could get as the 24-point cushion the Bolts created in the third period was simply too much to conquer in the endgame.

Banchero backstopped Durham with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while Bong Quinto and Caram scored 18 and 10 markers, respectively.

Coming off a career-best 51-point explosion last Thursday, August 29, Arvin Tolentino paced the Batang Pier in their second loss in four outings with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting.

William Navarro contributed a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds for NorthPort, which saw its short two game-winning run come to an end. 

Meanwhile, the Magnolia Hotshots redeemed themselves from their previous loss to the Tropang Giga as they vented their ire on the winless Terrafirma Dyip with a 124-103 drubbing.

Jerrick Ahanmisi was on target from the league’s all-new four-point line, cashing in four of his eight attempts from that area to wind up with a game-high 24 points for the Hotshots, who hiked their record to 2-2 in Group A.

Import Glenn Robinson posted a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Zavier Lucero (15 points), Ian Sangalang (14 points), Paul Lee (13 points), and Joseph Eriobu (12 points) all made a mark on the offensive end for Magnolia with double-digit scoring outputs.  

The Hotshots took advantage of a shorthanded Terrafirma side, which missed the services of star guard Juami Tiongson and big man Kemark Cariño in the second half due to injuries they sustained early in the match.

After building a sizeable 34-13 lead at the end of the opening frame, Magnolia showed no mercy to Terrafirma in the second quarter as it extended its lead to as many as 38 points, 60-22, off a Sangalang hook shot with 4:45 to go in the first half.

It was all Magnolia from that point on as it never let go of its double-digit advantage the rest of the game. 

Former Barangay Ginebra standouts Stanley Pringle and Christian Standhardinger paced the Dyip in their fourth loss in as many games with 23 and 22 markers, respectively. 

Terrafirma import Antonio Hester was a non-factor as he came up with only 2 points on 1-of-4 shooting in over 12 minutes of play.  

The Scores

First Game

Magnolia 124 – Ahanmisi 24, Robinson III 20, Lucero 15, Sangalang 14, Lee 13, Eriobu 12, Balanza 7, Barroca 6, Laput 6, Dionisio 4, Abueva 3, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0, Dela Rosa 0, Alfaro 0.

Terrafirma 103 – Pringle 23, Standhardinger 22, Hernandez 18, Sangalang 9, Ramos 9, Ferrer 7, Hanapi 7, Cahilig 6, Hester 2, Tiongson 0, Olivario 0, Carino 0.

Quarters: 34-13, 63-32, 86-64, 124-103.

Second Game

Meralco 109 – Durham 34, Banchero 24, 23, Quinto 18, Caram 10, Newsome 8, Pasucal 6, Cansino 6, Rios 2, Mendoza 2, Bates 0, Hodge 0, Pasaol 0.

NorthPort 99 – Tolentino 21, Navarro 18, Munzon 16, Flores 8, Bulanadi 7, Jois 6, Amores 6, Cuntapay 6, Jalalon 5, Nelle 3, Yu 3, Tratter 0, Onwubere 0.

Quarters: 22-28, 52-49, 90-66, 109-99.

– Rappler.com