MERALCO snapped a two-game losing skid on Friday, beating Phoenix, 82-76, in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts captured their fourth win in nine outings, bouncing back from an embarrassing loss to Converge that was the FiberXers' first win in the entire conference.
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Meralco got back in the playoff race thanks to Aaron Black, Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, and Allein Maliksi who produced the points when it mattered.
The Bolts are now in eighth place with the victory, but had to earn it.
“That team has no quit in them,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo, referring to Phoenix. “Every game is important. We know both teams, our backs are against the wall. Something’s gonna give. You lose one, you are probably out already. It’s hard to knock out a team like Phoenix.”
Black finished with 18 points including eight in the third quarter that saw Meralco grab a 60-53 lead after trailing, 34-38, at the half.
Newsome added 15 points but ended the game hobbling following a collision with Javee Mocon.
Banchero had 14 points, while Maliksi finished with 13 points after being held scoreless against Converge in the previous game.
Phoenix dropped to 3-7 and is now in danger of missing the playoffs after a semifinal finish in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The scores:
Meralco 82 – Black 18, Newsome 15, Banchero 14, Maliksi 13, Hodge 6, Caram 6, Bates 4, Quinto 3, Almazan 3, Pasaol 0, Torres 0, Pascual 0.
Meralco 76 – Tuffin 14, Salado 12, Jazul 9, Rivero 9, Mocon 7, Garcia 6, Perkins 5, Muyang 4, Verano 4, Soyud 3, Alejandro 3, Lalata 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0.
Quarters: 24-21; 34-38; 60-53; 82-76.
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