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MANILA, Philippines—Meralco survived Rain or Shine, 93-88, in an eventful matchup in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts, who bounced back from a stunning loss to NorthPort on Thursday, remained in second in the standings with a 5-1 record while the Elasto Painters absorbed their second straight loss for a 3-5 card in ninth place.
Despite holding an 89-80 lead with 3:24 to play, Meralco never looked safe from a potential comeback by the Elasto Painters who got to within three, 89-86, after Henry Walker’s layup punctuated a 6-0 run.
The Elasto Painters’ run, however, took a big blow when Beau Belga got called with his second technical foul with 23.1 seconds left.
Maliksi does work near baseline to put Meralco’s lead up, 84-77. #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/9bmXXty3rN
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 20, 2022
Chris Banchero eventually gave the Bolts a two-possession lead, 92-88, as he laid in Bong Quinto’s inbound pass with 18.6 seconds to play.
“Not exactly no, but I do give Bong Quinto credit for not panicking,” said Bolts head coach Norman Black of the game-sealing play. “He held the ball until the right time and that was a heads-up play from Bong Quinto.”
6:04 4q Bishop left wing 3! 81-76 Meralco lead #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/xNsLbb089y
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 20, 2022
Tony Bishop led Meralco with 26 points and 14 rebounds while Allein Maliksi added 19 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, and six boards.
Walker had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists to lead Rain or Shine.