Meralco Bolts Secure Lead in PBA Semifinals
Meralco managed to secure a 2-1 lead against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after a hard-fought victory in Game 3. Despite a strong start, the Bolts faced a tough challenge as the Gin Kings staged a late comeback.
Coach Trillo’s Insights
Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the game, especially against a resilient team like Ginebra. He highlighted the need for disciplined time management and solid defense to secure victories.
Key Players and Performances
- Allein Maliksi led Meralco with 16 points, showcasing his scoring prowess.
- Chris Newsome contributed 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, displaying his all-around skills.
- Bong Quinto added 10 points and 4 rebounds to the team’s effort.
- Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge provided crucial contributions with 9 points each.
- Raymond Almazan’s 8 points and 9 rebounds were instrumental in securing the win.
Ginebra’s Struggles
Despite a strong performance from Japeth Aguilar, Ginebra faced offensive challenges as Christian Standhardinger and Scottie Thompson struggled to make an impact. Standhardinger, coming off a career-high game, was limited to 10 points, while Thompson had a tough shooting night with only 8 points.
Game Summary
In a closely contested match, Meralco held off Ginebra’s late surge to claim victory with a final score of 87-80. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the series.
Final Scores
Meralco 87 – Maliksi 16, Newsome 14, Quinto 10, Banchero 9, Hodge 9, Almazan 8
Barangay Ginebra 80 – J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Standhardinger 10, Tenorio 9, Thompson 8
Quarters: 31-18, 48-34, 72-59, 87-80
