Meralco Bolts’ Bong Quinto during a PBA Philippine Cup game against NorthPort Batang Pier. –PBA IMAGES
Meralco came back from five down in the final 23 seconds to stun NorthPort, 105-104, and snap a three-game skid in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Bong Quinto scored underneath with 2.7 left as the Bolts escaped the jaws of defeat when everything seemed to be pointing at the Batang Pier getting the victory.
The defending champions improved to 3-3 after a much-needed triumph, with TNT next on their schedule this Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
TNT is actually the second opponent in a grueling stretch for Meralco, which was selected as the PBA’s representative for next month’s Basketball Champions League Asia, prompting the league to adjust the elimination round schedule.
Under the rejigged schedule, the Bolts will complete their elimination round assignments by May 30 before switching their focus on the BCL stint.
NorthPort dropped to 1-4 after a fourth consecutive defeat that spoiled a career-high 36 points from Joshua Munzon.
The Batang Pier led 104-99 after Jalalon hit two foul shots, only to unravel down the stretch.
Chris Banchero scored a layup for Meralco as NorthPort’s Sidney Onwubere muffed two charities. Chris Newsome, who led Meralco with 24 points, got fouled by Jalalon and made both freethrows to trim the gap to a single point.
Jalalon then failed to make all two freebies that set up Quinto’s winning basket. William Navarro missed a fadeaway shot as time expired.
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