Meralco Bolts’ Bong Quinto against Rain or Shine defenders in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Bong Quinto scored seven of his 16 points in overtime as Meralco downed Rain or Shine, 121-117, to notch its first victory in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Quinto made the first five points of the extension which was key in putting the Bolts on the win column after starting the conference with a loss to the Blackwater Bossing.
The two-way forward came through on the offensive side, especially after Meralco’s Chris Newsome fouled out in regulation.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
Allein Maliksi topscored with 26 points, Norbert Torres and Cliff Hodge posted 16 points apiece while Anjo Caram added 13 for the Bolts.
Meralco dealt Rain or Shine a second straight defeat, spoiling a 29-point showing of rookie Adrian Nocum.
48 MINUTES ARE NOT ENOUGH
Andrei Caracut drove the lane to try and hit a game-winner for Rain or Shine only to miss. Allein Maliksi threw it from halfcourt only to miss for Meralco.
We’re heading to overtime, 102-all. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/1Wyb5cwHYQ
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 2, 2024
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was tossed late in overtime after letting out his frustrations on the officials, resulting in two technical fouls.
The Bolts won despite squandering a 14-point lead as the Elasto Painters rallied in the third to turn the contest into a back-and-forth, grindout affair.
READ: PBA: Bong Quinto steps up for Meralco Bolts after Cliff Hodge exit
Quinto’s split free throws with barely a minute left in regulation actually sent the contest to overtime at 102-all.
Quinto started off the overtime with a three before responding from a Beau Belga basket with another of his own. He also fed Torres for a three-point shot that extended Meralco’s gap to 114-106.
PBA SCORES:
MERALCO 121—Maliksi 26, Newsome 16, Quinto 16, Torres 16, Hodge 16, Caram 13, Black 6, Pascual 5, Mendoza 4, Rios 2, Pasaol 1, Banchero 0, Jose 0.
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RAIN OR SHINE 117—Nocum 29, Santillan 25, Mamuyac 15, Belga 9, Datu 9, Clarito 9, Caracut 8, Norwood 6, Belo 3, Borboran 2, Demusis 2, Ildefonso 0.
Quarters: 28-20, 49-42, 80-77, 102-102 (Reg.), 121-117 (OT).