Meralco spoils Pope's San Miguel debut, clinches QF ticket

Meralco punched a ticket to the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals after defeating San Miguel, 100-93, Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The Bolts improved to 7-3 as they notched their third straight win, while the Beermen slipped to 4-5.

The victory also spoiled the debut of San Miguel's newest import Malik Pope who had 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.

Meralco held a 70-59 lead with less than six minutes left in the third period before the Beermen tied the game at 80 by the end of the said frame. 

It was a tight fourth quarter for both squads as the Beermen led 89-86 before the Bolts rallied with less than five minutes left.

Chris Newsome's triple ignited a 10-0 run for the Bolts before CJ Perez broke the San Miguel dry spell. Freebies from June Mar Fajardo and Pope put San Miguel within three, 96-93, before CJ Cansino made a jumper to widen the gap for Meralco. Chris Banchero and Cansino's free throws eventually sealed the victory for the Bolts.

Akil Mitchell registered 26 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while Newsome led the locals with 20 points, as Banchero scored 19.

Fajardo posted 20 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and one block, while CJ Perez added 16 points.

Scores:

Meralco 100 – Mitchell 26, Newsome 20, Banchero 19, Reyson 7, Almazan 6, Cansino 6, Mendoza 4, Hodge 4, Rios 3, Torres 3, Quinto 2, Bates 0, Caram 0.

San Miguel 93 – Fajardo 20, Perez 16, Pope 14, Trollano 14, Tiongson 9,Tautuaa 8, Cruz 7, Rosales 5, Ross 0, Brondial 0, Teng 0, Lassiter 0.

Quarters: 26-18, 46-47, 80-80, 100-93.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News