Meralco squanders huge lead but still pips ROS

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Meralco nearly lost a 25-point halftime lead but hung on to a 98-95 win over Rain Or Shine in the nightcap of the PBA Commissioner's Cup doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

The Bolts rode on a 42-point second quarter to open a 61-36 advantage, but the Elasto Painters completely eclipsed the lead by going on a 40-15 third quarter blitz to tie the game, 76-all.

Meralco retook the lead in the fourth quarter, but Rain Or Shine kept in step for most of the period, leading to a close game toward the ending.

The Elasto Painters actually had a chance to steal the win when they got the possession after a Chris Newsome missed field goal with 12.1 seconds remaining and them down, 95-97, but JR Quiñahan missed a triple and Jared Dillinger won the rebound battle with 2.7 seconds remaining.

Dillinger, however, kept the door open for ROS as he only made a split from the free throw as Meralco only cling to a three-point cushion.

But Quiñahan missed another triple at the final horn, signaling the Bolts' third straight win.

Arinze Onuaku fired 31 points, grabbed 27 rebounds, and dished out one assist for Meralco, which continues its hot run following a disastrous Philippine Cup performance.

Maverick Ahanmisi tallied 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals off the bench for ROS, which saw Wayne Chism only making three points after injuring his hamstring.

Box Scores:

Meralco 98-Onuaku 31, Dillinger 16, Hodge 12, Bono 9, Caram 8, David 5, Nabong 4, Newsome 4, Amer 3, Al Hussaini 2, Faundo 2, Ferriols 2

Rain Or Shine 95-Ahanmisi 19, Cruz 15, Quinahan 15, Norwood 12, Almazan 8, Chan 6, Ponferada 6, Belga 5, Chism 3, Tiu 3, Trollano 2, Matias 1, Ibanes 0, Nimes 0

Quarterscores: 19-15, 61-36, 76-76, 98-95

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