MANILA, Philippines—Blue-chip rookie Chris Lutz notched a game-high 21 points as Petron Blaze booked the last semifinals slot as it overwhelmed Meralco, 80-64, Wednesday night in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
Lutz helped the Boosters, who will face No.2 Talk ‘N Text in a best-of-seven semis, pull away in the opening minutes of the payoff period.
The former Smart Gilas Pilipinas standout sank a triple, 61-52, that kickstarted Petron’s offense.
Arwind Santos added 18 points and seven rebounds while Joseph Yeo chipped in with 13 markers.
The Bolts drew 20 points and seven rebounds from Gabby Espinas but Mac Cardona and Solomon Mercado were limited to a combined 19 points on a woeful seven-of-26 shooting from the field.