Meralco forces do-or-die vs Barangay Ginebra in quarterfinals

It's not yet over.

Meralco forced a do-or-die in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals after taking down Barangay Ginebra in the second game of their best-of-three series, 108-104, Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Bolts were leading 108-99 with two minutes left in the fourth period after a Cliff Hodge jumper before Barangay Ginebra staged a late attempt to steal the game.

Jamie Malonzo drilled a triple to cut Barangay Ginebra's deficit. Akil Mitchell attempted one but failed, which was followed by Bong Quinto fouling Malonzo which brought the latter to the line and sank two freebies. Chris Newsome attempted from beyond the three-point arc but missed, while RJ Abarrientos also tried from the four-point arc. However, it also fell short as the Bolts survived for the victory.

At the half, Meralco led 58-53.

Newsome had 24 points, five assists, and two rebounds, while Cliff Hodge had 17 points, six rebounds, an assist, and a block. Jansen Rios had 15 points, while Quinto added 14 points. Akil Mitchell, meanwhile, had a triple-double outing of 17 rebounds, 13 points, and 10 assists.

Justin Brownlee's 36-point outing went to naught, while Scottie Thompson added 21 points for Barangay Ginebra. 

Barangay Ginebra drew first blood, 100-92, in their series opener last Wednesday. Game 3 of the series will be played on Sunday.

Scores:

Meralco 108 – Newsome 24, Hodge 17, Rios 15, Quinto 14, Mitchell 13, Banchero 13, Black 8, Almazan 2, Cansino 2, Bates 0, Pascual 0, Caram 0.

Barangay Ginebra 103 – Brownlee 36, Thompson 21, Abarrientos 12, J.Aguilar 10, Rosario 9, Malonzo 9, Ahanmisi 2.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News