PBA: Meralco forces semis do-or-die against Barangay Ginebra

Meralco survived a late scare from Barangay Ginebra in Game 6, 86-81, to force a do-or-die in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts were leading 82-74 with 2:11 left in the fourth period but Ginebra tried to make a late attempt to salvage the game.

Treys from Maverick Ahanmisi and Stanley Pringle put Ginebra within one possession, 84-81, with six ticks left. After Meralco called for time, a foul by Pringle on Chris Newsome brought the latter to the line. However, Newsome's freebies sealed the victory.

Bong Quinto had 23 points and three rebounds, while Chris Newsome had 21 points as the Bolts evened the series to three apiece.

Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger had 19 points each for Barangay Ginebra.

Game 7 of the series will head to San Jose, Batangas as San Miguel awaits the winner of Friday's match.

Scores:

Meralco 86 – Quinto 23, Newsome 21, Maliksi 14, Hodge 10, Banchero 9, Almazan 7, Bates 2, Pascual 0, Caram 0, Jose 0.

Ginebra 81 – J.Aguilar 19, Standhardinger 19, Ahanmisi 13, Pringle 12, Thompson 9, Tenorio 3, Pinto 3, Cu 3, Murrell 0, Pessumal 0.

Quarters: 19-18, 38-37, 54-53, 86-81.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News