Meralco rallies late vs NorthPort to end three-game slump

Meralco made a late push against NorthPort, 105-104, to end its three-game slump on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Batang Pier were leading 104-99 with 23 ticks left, but the Bolts had other plans.

Shortly after Jio Jalalon's free throws, Chris Banchero's layup gave a glimmer of hope to the Bolts as they cut the deficit to within three. Aaron Black then fouled Sidney Onwubere but the latter missed both his free throws.

At the 0:10 mark, Chris Newsome was fouled by Jalalon which brought the former to the line and allowed him to sink two to inch closer. 

After substitutions were made by NorthPort, Jansen Rios fouled Jalalon but the latter also missed his free throws.

With two ticks left, Bong Quinto then sealed the deal for Meralco as they completed a come-from-behind victory.

NorthPort had its biggest lead, 52-37, at the 3:25 mark of the second quarter before the first half closed at 54-39 in its favor.

Newsome led the Bolts with 24 points, while Banchero had 23 as the Bolts improved to 3-3. Cliff Hodge added 18 points, while Quinto chipped in 14 as Meralco returned to the win column after consecutive losses against San Miguel, Phoenix, and Rain or Shine.

The win spoiled Joshua Munzon's 36 points for NorthPort as Arvin Tolentino still did not play for the Batang Pier who absorbed their fourth straight loss as they slipped to 1-4.

Scores:

Meralco 105 – Newsome 24, Banchero 23, Hodge 18, Quinto 17, Black 14, Cansino 3, Bates 2, Jose 2, Almazan 0, Pasaol 0, Caram 0, Torres 0.

NorthPort 104 – Munzon 36, Navarro 14, Jalalon 11, Kwekuteye 10, Flores 10, Nelle 7, Onwubere 7, Cuntapay 6, Bulanadi 3, Nava 0, Taha 0.

Quarters: 21-30, 42-54, 74-81, 105-104.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News