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.

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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