Meralco grabs first win in PBA bubble after cruising past Alaska

Meralco claimed its first victory inside the PBA bubble after cruising past Alaska, 93-81, in the elimination round of the Philippine Cup on Wednesday.

The Bolts led from start to finish behind spirited performances from Allein Maliksi, Baser Amer, Reynel Hugnatan, and Cliff Hodge, who all scored in double figures.

Jeron Teng steered the Aces with 25 points while Vic Manuel added 18, but the team struggled to gather enough momentum to take over despite a huge rally in the third quarter.

Meralco turned a 29-23 margin in the opening frame to a 49-35 halftime cushion after limiting Alaska to just 12 points in the second period.

Alaska caught up in the middle of the third at 54-all, but Meralco calmly responded with a 5-0 run courtesy of Pinto and Black and never looked back from then on.

The Bolts now hold a 1-1 card, while the Aces slipped to 0-2.

Alaska will next see action against Magnolia on Saturday, while Meralco will play Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.

Box score:

Meralco 93 — Maliksi 17, Amer 15, Hugnatan 13, Hodge 11, Black 8, Newsome 6, Jose 6, Quinto 5, Almazan 5, Pinto 5, Faundo 2.

Alaska 81 — Teng 25, Manuel 18, Herndon 8, Publico 8, Digregorio 6, Tratter 6, Brondial 5, Galliguez 3, Ayaay 2, Casio 0, Ebona 0, Andrada 0.

—MGP, GMA News