Meralco import Tony Bishop Jr. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco used a fiery third quarter to take down Phoenix Super LPG, 109-90, and assure itself a twice-to-beat protection in the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.
Import Tony Bishop Jr. and Allein Maliksi scored 10 each in that third-quarter pull-away that saw the Bolts outscoring their enemy, 32-13.
“We lost three straight. We were really trying tor re-build our confidence today knowing that we’d gain the twice-to-beat if we won,” said head coach Norman Black, whose charges now await the result of the TNT-NorthPort clash which will help in determining their final seeding.
“I told the guys to .. just focus and play smarter on defense. Tonight, I think we did a good job at that in the third quarter (along with the fact) that our shots were falling,” Black said.
Bishop finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds, while Maliksi and Cliff Hodge added 27 and 14, respectively, as Meralco wrapped up its classification round with a 7-4 record.
Du’vaughn Maxwell led the way for Phoenix with 26 points, while four other locals chipped in double-digit scores in the losing stand that put the club in a perilous spot.
The Fuel Masters can still force a playoff for the 8th seed—a duel set to be played this Sunday—should the Batang Pier fall to the Tropang Giga.
Meralco’s path in the playoffs could either go through TNT or San Miguel Beer, a side that Black and his charges faltered against just last week.
The Scores
Meralco 109 – Bishop 35, Maliksi 27, Hodge 14, Quinto 11, Banchero 8, Newsome 7, Black 3, Almazan 2, Pasaol 2, Belo 0, Canete 0, Caram 0.
Phoenix 90 – Maxwell 26, Jazul 16, Wright 13, Perkins 12, Rios 11, Manganti 5, Garcia 4, Demusis 3, Melecio 0, Salva 0, Porter 0.
Quarters: 37-28, 56-55, 88-68, 109-90.