SAN PEDRO, Laguna — Meralco’s historic march toward its first-ever PBA title continued as the Bolts beat San Miguel, 92-88, in a gripping Game 5 of the Philippine Cup Season 48 Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, June 14.
Allein Maliksi and Chris Newsome spearheaded Meralco’s attack, putting them on the brink of championship glory with a 3-2 series lead.
Maliksi, who had struggled offensively in the previous three games, found his rhythm when it mattered most. He exploded for 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Maliksi said there was nothing to be happy about just yet even if they had moved one win away from history.
“What’s to be happy about? Wala pa naman eh. So, we don’t think [about] the future. Stay in the moment. Prepare for Sunday’s game,” he said after taking the 3-2 lead.
“Today, I challenged myself. We’ve read articles [about our struggles] so, I told Bong (Quinto), Raymond (Almazan) that we step up,” he added.
The challenge was accomplished. The Bolts held San Miguel to yet another performance below 90 points. Almazan and Quinto contributed by finishing with 14 points and 8 points, respectively.
Newsome, fresh off a 40-point game in the Game 4 loss, matched Maliksi’s 22 points. He contributed 5 rebounds and 5 assists, including crucial free throws in the dying seconds to seal the win.
The Bolts survived a strong San Miguel team that was headed by June Mar Fajardo. In the fourth quarter, he controlled inside and held the SMB within striking distance.
Despite Fajardo’s crucial late baskets, Meralco’s disciplined defense and balanced attack were overwhelming.
Earlier in the game, SMB led 70-69 at the end of the third quarter. This was boosted by Fajardo’s inside play and CJ Perez’s timely shooting.
However, Meralco’s defense tightened in the fourth. The timely contributions from Raymond Almazan and Chris Banchero helped the Bolts wrestle back control.
Meralco’s ability to maintain composure in crunch time proved vital.
After a back-and-forth battle in the final period, Newsome’s leadership shone through. He orchestrated the offense and hit clutch shots, with a baseline jumper and putback creating a crucial cushion for the Bolts.
The Beermen’s final push was hindered by a missed free throw in the closing seconds.
With a combined total of just 17 points, Jericho Cruz, Terrence Romeo, and Don Trollano did not provide much assistance for the SMB either.
This is Meralco’s first 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series since joining the league in 2010. The Bolts are on the brink of their first PBA championship, a goal that eluded them in past seasons.
“Both teams are always ready. I don’t think anybody’s gonna have their guard down. Every game has been close, but that last game though, we didn’t do our job. Today was a struggle and it could’ve gone the other way, but we’re now looking at the next game,” head coach Luigi Trillo said in the post-game presser.
“We want to win one to gain respect. And that’s what’s on our mind for this Sunday,” he added.
The Filipino coach is currently one victory away from taking home his second league championship, having won his first and only PBA ring in 2013.
Meralco aims to capitalize on their momentum and secure the elusive championship. While San Miguel, known for comebacks, aims to extend the series and stay in the championship race.
The stage is set for a decisive Game 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 16 (6:15 PM).
