PBA: Bong Quinto scores game-winner as Meralco rallies to nip NorthPort

Bong Quinto came alive in crunch time for Meralco. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Bong Quinto delivered in the clutch to help Meralco score a come-from-behind 105-104 win against NorthPort in their PBA Philippine Cup battle on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Quinto sparked and eventually capped a nine-point swing by the Bolts within the final 1:17 of the game, a three-pointer that cut the Batang Pier's lead down to two and the game-winning layup with 2.7 seconds left.

William Navarro had a chance to steal the win for NorthPort, but he overshot a tough fadeaway jumper even as Cade Flores struggled to score the putback in time.

Chris Newsome led Meralco, which snapped a three-game slide to move up to 3-3, with 24 points, two rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Chris Banchero added 23 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal off the bench, while Cliff Hodge put up 18 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and one block.

Joshua Munzon's career-high 36-point blast alongside six rebounds and three assists went to waste as NorthPort dropped their fourth straight loss to fall to 1-4, tying Blackwater for 10th place.

Navarro added 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one block, but he was 2-for-10 from the free throw line and committed six turnovers as well.

As a team, the Batang Pier missed 18 free throws including four straight in the endgame that opened the door for the Bolts to steal the win. 

The Scores:

MERALCO 105 – Newsome 24, Banchero 23, Hodge 18, Quinto 17, Black 14, Cansino 3, Bates 2, Jose 2, Almazan 0, Pasaol 0, Caram 0, Torres 0

NORTHPORT 104 – Munzon 36, Navarro 14, Jalalon 11, Kwekuteye 10, Flores 10, Nelle 7, Onwubere 7, Cuntapay 6, Bulanadi 3, Nava 0, Taha 0

QUARTERS: 21-30, 42-54, 74-81, 105-104

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