Meralco ended NLEX’ six-game winning streak, 108-92, on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
After trailing 45-47 by end of the first half, the Bolts surged in the third quarter as they made an early 6-2 run to open the second half. After both teams were tied at 54, the Bolts made a 10-0 run to widen the gap with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter, before claiming a 77-70 lead at the end of the said frame.
CJ Cansino then opened the final frame with a bang as he made three free throws off a Kevin Alas foul, followed by a four-pointer to quickly give the Bolts a 14-point advantage. In the fourth period alone, Cansino scored 11 of the Meralco’s 31 points as the Bolts cruised to the victory.
Newsome had 21 points to lead Meralco, while Cansino had 20 points. Bong Quinto added 18 markers, while Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge, who is returning from suspension, had 16 and 12 points, respectively. With the victory, the Bolts improved to 5-5.
Robert Bolick registered a game-high 22 points, while Alas and JB Bahio had 14 points apiece in the losing effort which put the Road Warriors at 6-2.
Scores:
Meralco 108 – Newsome 21, Cansino 20, Quinto 18, Banchero 16, Hodge 12, Black 8, Pasaol 7, Almazan 4, Jose 2, Caram 0, Bates 0.
NLEX 92 – Bolick 22, Bahio 14, Alas 14, Mocon 12, Fajardo 11, Ramirez 6, Nieto 5, Amer 3, Torres 3, Semerad 2, Valdez 0, Herndon 0.
Quarters: 21-18, 45-47, 77-70, 108-92.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News