Meralco rallies late past Barangay Ginebra

Meralco mounted a late rally to defeat Barangay Ginebra, 82-73, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After the game was tied at 71 with around four minutes left, the Bolts ignited an 8-0 run to claim enough margin heading into crunch time.

Barangay Ginebra tried to inch closer as Jamie Malonzo's free throws cut the deficit, 79-73, before head coach Tim Cone was ejected from the court after incurring two technical fouls as he stormed the playing court while arguing with officials.

Eventually, the Bolts sealed the victory after Chris Newsome's technical free throw and Chris Banchero's jumper.

Newsome led the Bolts with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal, while Banchero had 14 points. Cliff Hodge had 11, while Bong Quinto added 10 as Meralco improved to 6-5 to cap its elimination round campaign before heading to BCL Asia.

Scottie Thompson had 16 points, seven boards, three assists, and three steals, while Jamie Malonzo chipped in his own 16 points. Troy Rosario registered a double-double of 14 points and 10 boards as Barangay Ginebra slipped to 5-3.

Scores:

Meralco 82 – Newsome 15, Banchero 14, Hodge 11, Quinto 10, Cnasino 10, Black 5, Rios 5, Almazan 4, Jose 4, Bates 4.

Barangay Ginebra 73 – Thompson 16, Malonzo 16, Rosario 14, J.Aguilar 12, Abarrientos 12, Holt 3, Cu 0, Gray 0, David 0.

Quarters: 17-17, 37-37, 61-56, 82-73.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News