Meralco catches Ginebra on bad night, ends early PBA PH Cup slump

Allein Maliksi caught fire again for Meralco. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI—Meralco pounced on a suddenly sluggish Ginebra side for a 91-73 blowout win in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Entering the game on contrasting trends, the Bolts, which fell to a 1-3 hole early into the season-ending conference, stifled the erstwhile unbeaten Gin Kings in the first half, holding them to just 27 points and never looking back.

Allein Maliksi fired 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting, one rebound, and one assist off the bench to lead Meralco, which moved up to 2-3.

Chris Newsome added 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Maverick Ahanmisi made 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Ginebra, which dropped to 2-1.

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