KJ McDaniels posts 32 points, 22 rebounds as Meralco weathers late NorthPort rally

KJ McDaniels posted monster numbers as the Meralco Bolts weathered NorthPort Batang Pier's late rally, 107-102, on Thursday in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

McDaniels tallied 32 points and 22 rebounds in the Bolts' second win in the conference.

Meralco was leading by 12, 70-58, with 3:03 left in the third quarter before the Batang Pier patiently cut its deficit and reclaimed the lead, 97-96, at the 2:51 mark of the final frame.

The Bolts made a four-point spurt to get a 100-97 lead with 1:42 left, before NorthPort import Marcus Weathers made a basket to trim their deficit to just a single point.

Chris Newsome scored five more points for the Bolts to give them a six-point lead, 105-99. Free throws from Allein Maliksi sealed the deal for the Bolts.

Aside from McDaniels' 32 points, Newsome tallied 16 while Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto made 15 points each. Maliksi scored 14 in the Meralco win.

Meanwhile, Weathers listed 29 points and 14 rebounds, while Roi Sumang scored 23 and had six assists. Arvin Tolentino made 17 points while Jeff Chan added 10 points.

Meralco will try to notch another win on Saturday against Terrafirma Dyip, while NorthPort will attempt to get their first win when they play NLEX on the same day.

The Scores:

Meralco 107 – McDaniels 32, Newsome 16, Quinto 15, Hodge 15, Maliksi 14, Almazan 8, Jose 4, Black 3, Banchero 0, Johnson 0, Pasaol 0, Rios 0, Pascual 0.

NorthPort 102 –  Weathers 29, Sumang 23, Tolentino 17, Chan 10, Munzon 6, Calma 5, Taha 4, Zamar 3, Balagasay 3, Ayaay 2, Salado 0, Caperal 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Quarters: 26-22, 49-43, 77-67, 107-102.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News