Meralco gets by Globalport to clinch twice-to-beat edge

Cliff Hodge of Meralco Bolts (light) vs Mark Isip of Globalport Batang Pier (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco became the last team to clinch a twice-to-beat edge after scraping past Globalport, 82-70, to end the elimination round of the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The quarterfinal round unfolds on Thursday at the same venue with No.3 Alaska taking on No. 10 NLEX and Meralco, which holds the sixth seed, clashing with a dangerous Purefoods side.

“The twice-to-beat advantage is really good for us because we’re facing Purefoods and we’re going to need any advantage we can get against the defending champions,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black.

Forward Cliff Hodge had 15 points and nine rebounds for the Bolts, who lost to the Grand Slam champion Hotshots in their only meeting in the elimination round.

Sean Anthony had 16 points and seven rebounds while Gary David and John Wilson chipped in 13 points each for Meralco.

David nailed a contested jumper that made it, 75-67, before sinking two free throws to stretch the Bolts’ lead to 10, 77-67, 1:11 left.

Stanley Pringle led all scorers with 19 points while Alex Cabagnot posted 18 points and five rebounds for the Batang Pier, who will tangle with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, who own a twice-to-beat bonus, in their quarterfinals matchup.

The Globalport-Ginebra clash and the Talk ‘N Text-Barako Bull showdown are set on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.