Meralco Bolts Secure Playoff Spot with Win Over Phoenix
Meralco returns to the playoff picture in the PBA Philippine Cup after turning back Phoenix in a come-from-behind win.
Key Highlights:
- Aaron Black led Meralco with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
- Meralco improved to 4-5, climbing to the No. 8 spot in the standings.
- Chris Newsome contributed 15 points before sustaining a left knee injury.
- Maliksi, Banchero, and Quinto stepped up in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Game Recap:
Using their previous quarterfinal ouster as motivation, Meralco Bolts secured a crucial 82-76 victory over Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Araneta Coliseum. The win propelled Meralco back into playoff contention.
“We really wanted to take every motivation that we could. Our No. 1 priority was to keep our hope alive for the playoffs,” said Aaron Black.
In a pivotal third-quarter turnaround, Meralco overcame a halftime deficit to take control of the game. Newsome and Black played key roles in this comeback, combining for 17 points in the third period.
Despite Newsome’s injury late in the game, Meralco held on to secure the win and avoid falling to 11th place in the standings.
Player Performances:
- Aaron Black: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
- Chris Newsome: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
- Allein Maliksi: 13 points
Phoenix Fuel Masters’ Efforts:
Rookie forward Kenneth Tuffin and Kent Salado led Phoenix with 14 and 12 points respectively. However, the team struggled offensively without star player Jason Perkins, who was limited to just 5 points.
Final Scores:
Meralco 82 – Black 18, Newsome 15, Banchero 14, Maliksi 13, Hodge 6, Caram 6, Bates 4, Almazan 3, Quinto 3, Pasaol 0, Torres 0, Pascual 0.
Phoenix 76 – Tuffin 14, Salado 12, Jazul 9, Rivero 9, Mocon 7, Garcia 6, Perkins 5, Muyang 4, Verano 4, Alejandro 3, Soyud 3, Daves 0, Camacho 0.
Quarters: 24-21, 34-38, 60-53, 82-76.