Chriss Ross vs Gary David. Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines—Sunday Salvacion bailed out Meralco with a buzzer-beating three-pointer as the Bolts stole the game from GlobalPort, 90-89, Sunday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco had trouble getting off a shot before Mac Cardona found a way to get the ball to an open Salvacion, who sank the off-the-glass trey, as Willie Miller’s contest came in late.
“That’s what veterans do when they come in,” said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio. “Fantastic shot by Sunday.”
Salvacion, in his first game of the conference, unleashed a team-high 20 points on six-of-seven shooting from deep off the bench.
The Bolts played catch-up majority of the game, trailing by as much as 17, 29-46, in the second quarter and again by 12, 68-80, in the final frame.
Import Eric Dawson added 19 points, 17 rebounds, four steals and three blocks to help Meralco notch its second win in five games.
Gary David led Batang Pier, who suffered their third straight setback, with 27 points, 16 in the second half.