PBA: Meralco hangs on to beat Ginebra for 2-1 semis lead

pba: meralco hangs on to beat ginebra for 2-1 semis lead

PBA: Meralco hangs on to beat Ginebra for 2-1 semis lead

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals

DASMARINAS, Cavite—Meralco leaned on an early blitz to repeat over Barangay Ginebra, 87-80, for a 2-1 lead in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series Wednesday at City of Dasmarinas Arena here.

Allein Maliksi fired 11 of his 16 points in the first quarter where the Bolts set the tone and gained the driver seat for the first time in the best-of-seven series after dropping the series opener.

Chris Newsome had 14 points, four rebounds and six assists and Bong Quinto added 10 for Meralco, which led by 17 and did not allow Ginebra to string a comeback in the previous two matches.

READ: PBA: Chris Newsome channels inner Kobe in Meralco series vs Ginebra

Ginebra did manage to cut it to five in the final seconds with both teams already using their second unit, but Meralco showed no signs of committing a major letdown.

Game 4 is set Friday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City where the Bolts will try to gain a commanding 3-1 lead.

Japeth Aguilar posted 15 points and nine rebounds but Ginebra once again had to play reactive to Meralco’s attack right from the onset.

READ: PBA: Tim Cone needs time figuring out Meralco’s game plan

Christian Standhardinger could only put up 10 points and 10 rebounds after a career-high 41 in Game 2.

Meralco finished the opening period strong to lead Ginebra, 31-18, before carrying its strong form throughout the contest, much to the chagrin of Gin Kings coach Tim Cone.

PBA scores:

MERALCO 87—Maliksi 16, Newsome 14, Quinto 10, Banchero 9, Hodge 9, Almazan 8, Caram 6, Bates 6, Torres 3, Pascual 2, Rios 2, Dario 2, Mendoza 0, Pasaol 0.

GINEBRA 80—J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Standhardinger 10, Tenorio 9, Thompson 8, Pinto 6, Cu 5, Pessumal 5, Pringle 4, Onwubere 3, R.Aguilar 2, Murrell 0.

Quarters: 31-18, 48-34, 72-59, 87-80.

OTHER NEWS

2 hrs ago

VP Duterte: President and I are still friends | INQToday

2 hrs ago

Nintendo Reveals File Sizes for 2 More Upcoming Switch Games

2 hrs ago

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Reveals PC Requirements

2 hrs ago

Every New Stage in Super Mario Party Jamboree Revealed So Far

2 hrs ago

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Adds 2022 Sandbox Survival RPG

2 hrs ago

Well-Received Switch Console Exclusive is Coming to PlayStation and Xbox

2 hrs ago

Johnny Depp Honors Late Jeff Beck with London Performance on What Would Have Been Musician's 80th Birthday

2 hrs ago

FedEx Soars as Cost Cuts Drive Better-Than-Expected Forecast

2 hrs ago

New York Knicks draft picks: 5 best draft steals since 2000

2 hrs ago

It will be hot in PH with isolated downpours due to easterlies

2 hrs ago

Bulls G Josh Giddey explains why he requested trade from Thunder

2 hrs ago

Pistons emerge as potential landing spot for Mavericks wing

2 hrs ago

MLB strikeout props for Tue. 6/25: Fade Adam this eve

2 hrs ago

Why Dodgers are best match for Randy Arozarena at MLB trade deadline

2 hrs ago

4 Detroit Tigers who won't survive the trade deadline after recent skid

2 hrs ago

Red Sox DH says he misses playing in the outfield

2 hrs ago

Cubs vs Giants: June 25, 2024 game notes, betting odds, etc.

2 hrs ago

Queues on new A27 roundabout 'beyond frustrating'

2 hrs ago

Daniel Ezra Is Leaving “All American ”After 6 Seasons: 'Spencer's Goodbye'

2 hrs ago

Peso slightly stronger; PSEi gains more ground

2 hrs ago

Brewers acquire former Cy Young winner in trade

2 hrs ago

Marcos leads opening of PH’s biggest hotel

2 hrs ago

Marcos vows maritime industry modernization

3 hrs ago

Pentagon chief, Russian defense minister discuss open lines of communication

3 hrs ago

Vitamin C for sensitive skin — now possible

3 hrs ago

Are Wrexham playing Birmingham City in USA? Ryan Reynolds responds to reports of EFL game vs. Tom Brady team in United States

3 hrs ago

‘Pink or Fake?’: Authenticity of viral ‘rare pink dolphin’ photos in North Carolina questioned

3 hrs ago

Luzon mayors ask Marcos to stop plan to revive e-sabong

3 hrs ago

'Every trench' in Ukraine needs a close-range electronic warfare shield against drones and other threats, top official says

3 hrs ago

German minister wants up to 15 billion eur munitions deal, says source

3 hrs ago

Reporter addresses latest NFL position group to see market value drop

3 hrs ago

‘Red One' Trailer: Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans Team Up to Rescue a Kidnapped Santa Claus in Prime Video's Christmas Action Movie

3 hrs ago

Last-Minute Law on Restaurant Fees Inches Toward Approval Ahead of July 1 Deadline

3 hrs ago

Should You Buy the Dip In Nvidia Stock? Here's What the Fundamentals Say

3 hrs ago

Mendoza, Alburo win, earn finals spots

3 hrs ago

S&P trims PH 2024 growth forecast to 5.8%

3 hrs ago

“SEAL Team” Final Season Trailer Teases 'One Last Ride' for David Boreanaz's Bravo Team

3 hrs ago

Hong Kong court edges closer to sentencing democracy activists involved in unofficial primary

3 hrs ago

Crumbl Is Making Cookie Cereal & Fans Are Divided

3 hrs ago

Verizon to pay $1 million fine over 911 call outage in 2022