Coming off a heartbreaking Game 1 loss, the Meralco Bolts responded with a more disciplined Game 2 performance that led to a series-tying, 104-102 victory. Ginebra played catch-up all night and simply ran out of gas in the end.

The Bolts’ offense was clicking on all cylinders as they dished out 27 assists and a PBA finals record 16 three-pointers. In the rarest of times, Meralco import Allen Durham didn’t carry the scoring load as four of his teammates scored in double-digits. Durham still filled the stat sheet, though, posting 21 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists.

Baser Amer, who was relegated to the bench in Game 1, came alive Friday night by tallying 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, five of which came from beyond the arc. His backcourt partner, meanwhile, Chris Newsome, had seven assists to go along his usual scoring norm of 17 points.

Two guys from the Meralco’s bench gave quality minutes as well – John Pinto knocked down four three-pointers for 12 points, while Nico Salva chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and a good nose for the ball in 18 minutes of play.

Slow first half spoils Pringle’s big night

Ginebra got overwhelmed in the first half and just couldn’t keep up with Meralco’s scorching offense. By halftime, they were already down, 63-46. That theme carried on in the next two quarters and this time, the comeback effort just wasn’t enough.

Import Justin Brownlee once again led the way as had 35 points and 11 rebounds, while high-flying point guard Stanley Pringle had one of his best games as a Gin King as he dropped 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

The finals will head back to Manila for Game 3. It will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, January 12th.