Meralco upends Ginebra with mighty fightback

Sports

THE Meralco Bolts flipped the script on Friday night, Oct. 17, staging a major fightback against a team known for its never-say-die spirit as they trampled the Barangay Ginebra Kings via a come-from-behind 89-75 decision in the 50th PBA Philippine CUp at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts rallied from 12 points down at the half, stunning the favored Kings behind a 33-14 game-closing attack to list their second win through four games.

Bong Quinto starred in Meralco’s mighty rally where he poured in 10 of his total output as the Bolts bagged a second straight win after starting the tournament with back-to-back losses.

Meralco opened its campaign with losses to Titan Ultra and Rain or Shine before beating Blackwater and Ginebra.

Ginebra, on the other hand, succumbed to a second loss in three games.

Chris Newsome topped the Bolts with 19 points that went with eight rebounds and four assists. CJ Cansino continued his stellar showing in the tournament after adding 18 markers.

Ginebra was led by RJ Abarrientos, who finished with 14 points. Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, and Jeremiah Gray contributed 10 markers each.

Former MVP Scottie Thompson scored just six points for Ginebra, making just three of his nine attempts from the field.

THE SCORES:

MERALCO (89) – Newsome 19, Cansino 18, Quinto 11, Hodge 8, Black 8, Maliksi 7, Almazan 6, Banchero 6, Bates 6, Jose 0, Pascual 0.

GINEBRA (75) – Abarrientos 14, J.Aguilar 13, Holt 12, Gray 10, Estil 9, Thompson 6, Rosario 5, Torres 3, Pinto 3, Cu 0, David 0.QUARTERSCORES: 16-20, 30-42, 56-61, 89-75.(CCM)