PBA: Meralco sweeps NLEX, advances to semis

The Meralco Bolts dominated the NLEX Road Warriors, 100-81, in Game 2 of their quarterfinals series in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and booked a slot in the conference semifinals.

Meralco completed a sweep of their best-of-three series as they took Game 1, 97-93.

The Bolts pulled away in the fourth quarter as they outscored NLEX, 24-11, in the final frame to secure the semis slot after leading 76-70 by the end of the third period.

Chris Banchero led the Bolts with 23 points, seven boards, and six assists, while Cliff Hodge and Allein Maliksi had 14 points apiece. Bong Quinto, meanwhile, had 13 points.

Meanwhile, Robert Bolick was limited to 18 points after registering his career-high 48 points last Friday. 

Meralco will face Barangay Ginebra in a best-of-seven semis series.

Scores:

Meralco 100 – Banchero 23, Hodge 14, maliksi 14, Quinto 13, Newsome 12, Almazan 10, Caram 5, Torres 5, Pasaol 2, Bates 2.

NLEX 81 – Bolick 18, Fajardo 15, Herndon 11, Rodger 10, Semerad 9, Amer 5, Marcelo 5, Valdez 5, Miranda 3, Nieto 0, Anthony 0.

Quarters: 27-26, 52-49, 76-70, 100-81.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News