Meralco defies elimination, survives Magnolia in Game 5 of semis series

The Meralco Bolts got to to live another day as they survived the Magnolia Hotshots, 102-98, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Bolts are still looking at a 2-3 series deficit, but they can force a decider if they win the next game.

Allein Maliksi starred anew for the Bolts, carving out 29 huge points, three rebounds, and two steals while Nards Pinto churned out a career-high 24 markers and five assists.

It was a tight affair between both teams with Magnolia holding a slim two-point cushion at the half, 47-45.

Meralco took the lead at 65-63 in the third quarter after a triple from Malksi but the backcourt duo Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon joined forces as Magnolia kept hold of their small advantage going into the payoff period, 71-69.

Tied at 90-all in the fourth, Meralco scored six-straight points courtesy of hot-shooting Maliksi, who helped them build a 96-90 lead with 2:06 left to play.

Maliksi and Calvin Abueva then traded triples, 99-96, with Meralco still on the upperhand with 40 seconds left. Abueva made a crucial steal that led to an offensive opportunity for Jalalon but he missed the basket, forcing Abueva to foul Raymond Almazan on the rebound.

Almazan, who missed the two previous games for Meralco due to injury, split his free throws for a two-possession ballgame, 100-96.

The Hotshots tried to inch closer but time was not on their side as Meralco complete the win to stay alive in the series.

Game 6 of the series is set on Friday, October 15, at 6 p.m.

Scores:

Meralco 102 - Maliksi 29, Pinto 24, Newsome 23, Almazan 9, Hugnatan 6, Belo 4, Hodge 4, Quinto 3, Jackson 0, Caram 0, Pasaol 0.

Magnolia 98 - Barroca 25, Abueva 19, Sangalang 15, Lee 13, Jalalon 12, Ahanmisi 8, Reavis 6, Dela Rosa 0, Corpuz 0, Dionisio 0.

Quarter scores: 23-33, 45-47, 69-71, 102-98

—MGP, GMA News