Meralco vs NLEX Quarterfinals Recap
Meralco faced off against NLEX in a thrilling best-of-three quarterfinals match in the PBA Philippine Cup. The game was marked by an outstanding performance by Robert Bolick, who scored a career-high 48 points, putting the Road Warriors in a challenging position.
Meralco’s Strategy
Despite Bolick’s impressive display, Meralco managed to secure a narrow 97-93 victory. The Bolts relied on a balanced offensive strategy, with six players scoring in double figures. Allein Maliksi led the team with 22 points and was instrumental in sealing the win with crucial free throws down the stretch.
Coach’s Insights
Meralco’s head coach, Luigi Trillo, acknowledged Bolick’s talent and emphasized the need for a collective defensive effort to contain him. Trillo highlighted the team’s respect for Bolick’s skills and emphasized the importance of making defensive adjustments for future matchups.
Key Performances
Aside from Maliksi, Raymond Almazan and Anjo Caram made significant contributions to Meralco’s victory, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. Chris Newsome showcased an all-around performance with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, further solidifying Meralco’s dominance in the game.
Upcoming Match
With NLEX looking to bounce back in the series, the stage is set for an intense showdown on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Both teams will be aiming to secure a spot in the semifinals, making the upcoming game a must-watch for PBA fans.
Final Scores
- Meralco 97 – Maliksi 22, Almazan 15, Caram 14, Newsome 12, Banchero 12, Quinto 11, Bates 4, Torres 3, Hodge 2, Pasaol 2, Dario 0.
- NLEX 93 – Bolick 48, Miranda 14, Rodger 6, Herndon 6, Nieto 5, Semerad 5, Fajardo 4, Marcelo 2, Valdez 2, Amer 1, Anthony 0.
Quarters: 23-28, 44-54, 73-75, 97-93.