Meralco beats Alaska for fourth win in five games

The Meralco Bolts continued to have a strong showing in the PBA Philippine Cup after they defeated the Alaska Aces, 89-80, on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Nard Pinto led the Bolts with 16 points while Chris Newsome posted a line of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in the victory.

Rookie Alvin Pasaol added 13 points while Raymond Almazan turned in a solid effort with 12 markers and eight rebounds.

The win was Meralco’s fourth win in five games while Alaska, which was coming off a blowout win over Rain or Shine, dropped down to 2-3.

Alaska was paced by Gab Banal, who scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting, including four three-pointers. Maverick Ahanmisi added 16 points as well.

Meralco took over the game in the second period after an 11-0 run turned a tied game into a 30-19 contest in favor of the Bolts.

They were able to push that to a high of 16 points early in the second half, but the Aces were quick to battle back to within single digits.

Alaska was still within six points, 81-75, with 4:53 remaining, but a 6-0 run from Aaron Black, Pinto and Newsome gave Meralco the cushion they needed to stay in front the rest of the way.

This was the lone game on Saturday after a clash between the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters and the Blackwater Bossing was postponed in accordance with the league's health and safety protocols.

—JMB, GMA News