Bolts deny Tigers playoff berth in Philippine Cup

Meralco rallied past Powerade, 100-98, as the Bolts denied the Tigers an outright playoff berth in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Sol Mercado exploded for 23 points while Gabby Espinas had another double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds in the come-from-behind win, the Bolts’ eighth in 13 games the most in a tournament by Meralco. "The most number of wins we had in a conference was seven, and tonight, we were up against ourselves," said an obviously elated Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. “Our intention was to fight for the character of this team." The Bolts accomplished that seven-win record in last year’s Philippine Cup. “Right now we’re trying to reach for our maximum potential," Gregorio said. “The challenge is to keep on playing hard and competing." Mercado went 8-of-16 from the floor and added six assists for the Bolts, who also got 17 points from Mark Cardona and 11 rebounds from Asi Taulava. The loss derailed Powerade’s attempt to march into the quarterfinals as the Tigers suffered their eighth loss in 13 games and are in danger of missing the playoffs. The Tigers need to beat Barako Bull on Tuesday and hope that Alaska loses to defending champion Talk `N Text on Saturday. The Tigers enjoyed a 53-43 spread in the second quarter, but slowed down in the third, allowing the Bolts to tie the game at 76 entering the final 12 minutes of play. The Bolts then went on a 9-2 exchange early in the fourth for an 85-78 edge and never looked back. Powerade threatened for the last time at 98-95 on a Gary David three-pointer, only for Espinas' open jumper kept the Tigers at bay, 100-95, with 73 seconds to go. David finished with a game-high 25 points, including 16 in the first half, for the Tigers. — JVP, GMA News