By REYNALD MAGALLON
Meralco went off to a good start and established a big lead. But unlike in Game 1, the Bolts did just enough to keep TNT at bay.
Meralco displayed poise and survived another furious comeback from TNT to come away with a 97-89 victory to cut the semis deficit to 1-2 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Jan. 9.
The Bolts led by as many as 16 points in the contest and then overcame a huge fourth quarter rally from the Tropang 5G behind timely hits from Chris Banchero and CJ Cansino.
Banchero and Cansino actually combined for 14 of Meralco’s 27 points in the final period — enough to cushion the TNT uprising led by RR Pogoy who poured 21 of his 28 points in the second half .
The Tropang 5G still remained within striking distance, cutting the lead down to just six 85-91 in the last 55 seconds. But Banchero scored two pressure-packed free throws to give the Bolts enough breathing space.
He finished with 18 points and six rebounds while Cansino also put up the same output. Chris Newsome finished with 17 points, five assists and four rebounds while Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan also had their share with 13 and 11, respectively, along with eight rebounds each.
Pogoy had his best game in the series in the contest after firing five triples though he lacked support from other TNT gunners.
Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading, the heroes of the Game 2 win for the Tropang 5G combined for a measly 1-of-14 shooting from the field.
Oftana only had six points while Heading went scoreless in almost 25 minutes of play. Brandon Ganuelas- Rosser and Rey Nambatac tried to pick up the slack with 14 and 13, respectively, but were not enough as they failed to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
