Meralco Bolts survive Ginebra Gin Kings

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco bounced back from a 44-point defeat against Rain Or Shine and held off Barangay Ginebra’s late charge for a 93-87 win in the second game of the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup Friday.

Jayjay Helterbrand lost the handle with 9.8 seconds left, wasting the Gin Kings’ chance to pull off a reversal after coming back from six points, 87-88, in the final minute.

Mac Cardona sank two freethrows and Mark Borboran converted the insurance freebies as the Bolts notched their fifth win against three losses.

The Gin Kings ended a two-game streak and dropped to 3-3.

The scores:

MERALCO 93—Cardona 25, Mercado 14, Isip 13, Espinas 11, Taulava 11,  Macapagal 8, Timberlake 4, Borboran 3, Omolon 2, Hugnatan 2, Ballesteros 0, Yee 0, Lanete 0.

GINEBRA 87—Canaleta 16, Villanueva 14, Helterbrand 14, Caguioa 10, Intal  9, Cortez 8, De Ocampo 6, Wilson J. 4, Wilson W. 3, Tubid 3, Cervantes 0,  Labagala 0.
Quarters: 26-16, 39-41, 66-66, 93-87