Meralco escaped Magnolia, 78-76, to extend its winning streak to three games in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
Jerom Lastimosa’s free throws brought the Hotshots within one, 77-76, with 10 seconds left in the fourth period, but a foul by Paul Lee on Bong Quinto sent the latter to the line, where he made one of two free throws to push the Bolts’ lead to 78.
Lastimosa attempted a game-winning triple in the final moments, but he missed, sealing the victory for Meralco.
CJ Cansino led Meralco with 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks, while Aaron Black added 17 points. Quinto contributed 11 points, while Brandon Bates grabbed 15 rebounds and scored seven.
Lastimosa finished with 22 points, while Zav Lucero chipped in 14. Mark Barroca recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
With the win, Meralco improved to 3-2, while Magnolia absorbed its first loss after winning two straight.
Scores:
Meralco 78 – Cansino 23, Black 17, Quinto 11, Bates 7, Hodge 7, Newsome 6, Banchero 3, Almazan 2, Pascual 2, Maliksi 0.
Magnolia 76 – Lastimosa 22, Lucero 14, Barroca 11, Escoto 11, Gomez de Liano 5, Laput 4, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 3, Lee 2, Alfaro 0, Dionisio 0.
Quarters: 20-7, 32-25, 53-51, 78-76.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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