VETERAN big man Reynel Hugnatan hit crucial three-pointers in the endgame to lift the Meralco Bolts to a crucial 107-103 win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings last night in Game 3 of the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Hugnatan finished with 17 points and dropped three triples inside the final three minutes that helped the Bolts take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Meralco took a 98-92 lead in the final two minutes when Hugnatan sank back-to-back triples. And with the Bolts clinging on a precarious 102-98 lead, Hugnatan delivered a dagger trifecta as Meralco padded the advantage to seven, 105-98, with only 42.2 seconds left.
Another Meralco veteran Jimmy Alapag also had a solid contribution by finishing with 18 points, while rookie Chris Newsome pitched in 22.
Meralco import Allen Durham was likewise brilliant, tallying 36 markers and 20 rebounds. He iced the win for the Bolts by knocking down two free throws with 8.2 seconds left after Ginebra import Justin Brownlee had brought the Kings within 103-105 on a long three-pointer.
Brownlee paced the Kings with 42 markers.