Meralco gains momentum ahead of playoffs with win over NorthPort

Meralco gained momentum heading into the playoffs after surviving NorthPort, 80-73, Wednesday in the last day of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.

Trailing 74-55, the Batang Pier mounted a comeback with Jervy Cruz, Renzo Subido, and Kevin Ferrer drilling triples to trim their deficit to within three, 76-73, with under two minutes to play.

Raymond Almazan banked the shot which extended their lead, while free throws from Chris Newsome sealed the Bolts' win before making their first Philippine Cup playoffs appearance.

The Bolts had a 39-30 advantage at the end of the first half.

Bong Quinto led the Bolts with 14 points and eight rebounds while Newsome and Almazan chipped in 11 apiece.

Jervy Cruz registered 15 points while Kelly Nabong and Paolo Taha listed 14 markers respectively before exiting the PBA bubble.

Meralco ended their elimination round campaign at 7-4, tied with TNT, San Miguel, and Alaska as of writing. Seeding will be determined at the end of Wednesday's matches.

Box scores:

Meralco 80 — Quinto 14, Newsome 11, Almazan 11,Amer 10, Jackson 10, Jamito 6, Black 5, Faundo 4, Maliksi 3, Salva 2, Caram 2, Hodge 2, Pinto 0, Jose 0.

NorthPort 73 — Cruz 15, Taha 14 , Nabong 14, Subido 9, Ferrer 9, Guinto 7, Manganti 2, Revilla 2, Elorde 1.

—MGP, GMA News