BONG Quinto scored on a short stab with 2.7 seconds left as Meralco scored six straight points in the final 23 seconds to defeat NorthPort, 105-104, on Friday in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Quinto’s game-winner completed a comeback that snapped a three-game losing streak for the Bolts, who pounced on the opportunity when the Batang Pier missed four missed free throws down the stretch.
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NorthPort looked headed for the win after Jio Jalalon converted two free throws with 23.3 seconds left to open a 104-99 lead.
After Sidney Onwubere missed two free throws following a Chris Banchero lay-up, Jalalon bungled a pair of charities as well with 8.4 seconds to leave the door open for Meralco to steal the victory.
The Bolts did just that through Quinto to improve to 3-3 (win-loss) while dealing the Batang Pier, who once again played minus Arvin Tolentino, a fourth loss in five games.
Quinto took it strong to the goal to score the game-winner, with the match ending with William Navarro missing a corner jumper and Joshua Munzon unable to convert on a tip-in.
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Meralco coach Luigi Trillo was relieved that the team was able to grab the victory in such manner.
“They gave us a chance in the end," Trillo said. "I thought they had it done, they fouled, stop the clock a bit… Just excellent fight through from the guys."
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"We are struggling. The last two games have been tough. We’ve been getting beat, black and blue. Talagang nilalampaso kami. But sometimes, when things are not going your way, you have to gut it out,” Trillo added.
Chris Newsome, who also buried two charities during that final stretch, finished with 24 points, while Chris Banchero added 23 points. Cliff Hodge tallied 18 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out.
The loss spoiled the 36-point explosion of Joshua Munzon, who took charge with Tolentino still out with a hip flexor injury.
NorthPort led by 15, 52-37, only to squander it in the end game.
The scores:
Meralco 105 – Newsome 24, Banchero 23, Hodge 18, Quinto 17, Black 14, Cansino 3, Bates 2, Rios 2, Jose 2, Pasaol 0, Caram 0, Torres 0, Almazan 0.
NorthPort 104 – Munzon 36, Navarro 14, Jalalon 11, Kwekuteye 10, Flores 10, Onwubere 7, Nelle 7, Cuntapay 6, Bulanadi 3, Taha 0, Nava 0.
Quarters: 21-30; 42-54; 74-81; 105-104.
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