MERALCO got the better of San Miguel Beer, 100-93, to extend its winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup to three games.
Down by three with five minutes left during their game in Candon, Ilocos Sur, the Bolts went on a 10-0 blast behind clutch baskets by Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, and import Akil Mitchell to take the lead for good, 96-89, at the final 2:53 mark.
The game was the first meeting between the two teams following their championship series for the Philippine Cup won by Meralco last April.
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The Bolts improved to 7-3 and joined a logjam at second place with Converge, Northport, and guest team Eastern.
On the other hand, the loss was a tough one for the Beermen who suffered their fifth loss in nine outings to remain at the No. 8 spot, spoiling the debut of their new import in Malik Pope.
Here are some of the takeaways:
1. SAN MIGUEL OR MAGNOLIA – The way things stand, the Beermen and Hotshots are on a collision course to dispute the eighth and last spot in the playoffs. The sister teams are just one game apart, with San Miguel clinging to the No. 8 slot with a 4-5 record, while Magnolia is at 4-6. There will be a playoff in case of a tie for the last quarterfinals ticket. San Miguel beat Magnolia, 85-78, in their last matchup this conference during which the Hotshots led in the final two minutes until Marcio Lassiter hit back-to-back threes to turn the tide in favor of the Beermen.
2. SMB CHANGED IMPORT - AGAIN – The Beermen paraded a fourth import in Malik Pope on Saturday. Previously, the team had Quincy Miller, Torren Jones, and Jabari Narcis. Meralco and guest team Eastern initially also replaced their original choices in Akil Mitchell and Cameron Clark due to injuries. But Mitchell has since returned to take over from DJ Kennedy, while Clark could be tapped anew by the Hong Kong-based squad if Chris McLaughlin fails to recover in time from an ankle injury. San Miguel's four imports are the most since Magnolia went through the same routine during the Governors’ Cup.
3. ARE BEERMEN SHOWING THEIR AGE? – There seems to be no doubt about this. San Miguel has the oldest roster in the PBA this season and the wear and tear appears to be taking its toll on the team’s campaign. Oldest is guard Chris Ross at 39, while Jeron Teng, at 30. is the youngest in the active roster. The only one in his 20s for the Beermen is rookie Avan Nava at 24. But he’s currently not playing having been relegated to the reserved/injury list.
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