THE final game of 2025 on Monday promises to be a thrilling one with Meralco facing Rain or Shine in a knockout quarterfinal match for the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
Here is a preview of the game.
MERALCO VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Monday, December 29. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Going for semifinal berth
Meralco tries to complete its comeback on Monday night when the Bolts face Rain or Shine at the Big Dome. The Bolts kept their conference alive on Saturday when they beat the Elasto Painters, 96-79.
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Shooting woes need to be addressed
Second-seed Rain or Shine lost the first game in the quarterfinals after it shot just 26 of 77 from the field. The Elasto Painters trailed by as many as 34 points after they made just four out of their 33 shots from three-point range. For Rain or Shine to have a chance, the Elasto Painters must convert.
TNT awaits
The winner of Monday’s game will be facing TNT, which already advanced to the semifinals after its win over Magnolia last Saturday. The Tropang 5G could be in line for another semifinal duel with Rain or Shine for the fourth straight time, but the Bolts could play the spoilers’ role.
Meralco’s depth on display
Meralco won the first quarterfinal game not just because of Rain or Shine’s shooting struggles, but also its depth with five players scoring in double digits with Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino, and Cliff Hodge chipping in 14 points apiece.
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