PBA: Meralco storms back in the second half to shock Barako

Levi Verora

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

PBA: Meralco storms back in the second half to shock Barako
Meralco makes another comeback from 22 points down against Barako Bull to seal their place in the playoffs

MANILA, Philippines – Not even a giant lead is insurmountable for the defiant Meralco Bolts.

Dead and out in the beginning of the match, the Bolts stormed back with an electrifying comeback in the second half to shock Barako Bull, 105-98, in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, April 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bolts trailed by as much as 22 but pulled off a colossal comeback to win and move to 5th in the team standings while also barging into the quarterfinals with a 4-4 card. The Energy, meanwhile, dropped to 2-6 with other teams holding their fate and whether or not they will qualify for the next round.

Down by as much as 22 at 22-44, the Bolts started coming back behind 3 triples by Jared Dillinger late in the second quarter, bringing the lead down to 42-51.

Coach Ryan Gregorio’s wards continued the pressure in the third period, with backup point guard Chris Timberlake providing the spark.

Meralco then put the clamps on a frustrated Josh Dollard, forcing him to take ill-advised shots and shutting him down in the penultimate quarter.

The Bolts entered the final period down by just a point, while Chris Timberlake’s free throws at the start of the fourth gave Meralco their first lead of the night at 75-74.

From there, teams wents back and forth, although Meralco got the better of the exchange as Gary David and import Darnell Jackson joined hands in a 13-5 blast that gave them the 96-88 lead with just 3:45 left. 

A baseline drive by JC Intal and two charities by Willie Miller pushed Barako within 92-96, before Reynel Hugnatan’s turnaround hook made it 98-92 for the Bolts, 1:25 to go.

A Dollard trey on the other end tried to make up for two costly turnovers by Mick Pennisi, cutting the deficit to 4, 95-99.

But four straight free throws by David sealed the deal for the Bolts, 105-98, leaving just 12.2 ticks on the clock.

Scores:

Meralco (105) – Jackson 30, Dillinger 16, David 15, Wilson 15, Timberlake 12, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 7, Caram 0, Salvacion 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.

Barako Bull (98) – Dollard 33, Intal 12, Pennisi 12, Fortuna 11, Miller 9, Miranda 8, Wilson 7, Marcelo 3, Buenafe 3, Pena 0. Quarterscores: 20-33, 42-54, 73-74, 105-98

– Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!