Meralco ousts Barangay Ginebra, books first PBA Philippine Cup Finals appearance

For the first time in its history, Meralco will advance to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals after defeating Barangay Ginebra, 78-69, in Game 7 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday in San Jose, Batangas.

Barangay Ginebra had the series lead first, 3-2, last Sunday, but the Bolts won back-to-back to set up a duel with the San Miguel Beermen.

Aside from its first All-Filipino finals appearance, the win handed the Bolts its first seven-game series win, first Game 7 win, and fifth overall PBA Finals appearance.

Barangay Ginebra led 28-17 early in the second period before the Bolts claimed the lead and ended the first half with a 36-31 advantage as it limited the former to just 11 points in the said frame.

Meralco had control of the game then as it led by 16, 74-58, after a Chris Banchero floater at the 5:42 mark of the fourth period before claiming the win.

Banchero registered a playoffs career-high of 24 points, along with six boards, an assist, and a steal, while Chris Newsome had 20 points, six assists, and two rebounds for Meralco. Brandon Bates grabbed 13 rebounds on top of six points and an assist.

Scottie Thompson had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Christian Standhardinger had 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists as Barangay Ginebra played its last game for the season.

Game 1 of the Meralco vs San Miguel finals will be played on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Scores:

Meralco 78 – Banchero 24, Newsome 20, Quinto 10, Hodge 8, Bates 6, Almazan 3, Caram 3, Pascual 2, Maliksi 2, Mendoza 0.

Barangay Ginebra 69 – Thompson 20, Standhardinger 16, Pringle 13, J.Aguilar 8, Pinto 5, Ahamisi 4, Cu 3, Tenorio 0.

Quarters: 15-20, 36-31, 62-51, 78-69.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News