PBA: Chris Banchero hits game-winner as Meralco survives Su Braimoh's injury, meltdown to beat NLEX

Su Braimoh outplayed Stokley Chaffee, but he hurt his Achilles in the end. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Chris Banchero kept Meralco from suffering a huge collapse as he scored the winning basket in a 97-94 victory against NLEX in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Banchero drove through a wide-open lane off two screens and hit a floater with 2.8 seconds left to keep the Bolts ahead, 96-94, despite blowing a 29-point lead.

Don Trollano, who hit a three-pointer with 22.3 seconds remaining to tie the game at 94-all, had a chance to complete the epic comeback, but he stepped out of bounds just as he received the inbound pass.

Bong Quinto then made his first free throw and intentionally missed the second with 1.2 seconds left to virtually ice the game.

Su Braimoh led Meralco, which moved up to 4-1, with 38 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal, but he left the game with 3:55 remaining after suffering a suspected Achilles tendon injury.

Banchero added 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists off the bench.

Trollano and Stokley Chaffee each made 24 points for NLEX, which dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season and fell to 2-4 in the conference.

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