Meralco KOs Pacquiao’s KIA from playoff contention

MANILA, Philippines — The Meralco Bolts withstood a furious second half rally from expansion team KIA Sorento to escape with a 99-93 victory in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, December 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Bolts sent the Sorento to its 9th straight defeat in 10 games and officially knocked out them out of playoff contention, with the NLEX Road Warriors already assured of a spot in the quarterfinals. 

Jared Dillinger exploded for Meralco with 25 points, including 17 in the first half, and 7 rebounds. While Cliff Hodge added a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Sean Anthony also contributed 14 markers, 9 boards, and 5 assists. 

Meralco led by as much as 22 points early in the third before KIA rallied in the second half, highlighted by a 33-13 third quarter output, and eventually notched an 81-78 lead early in the fourth.

“At that point there is a possibility you could lose the game,” head coach Norman Black said when asked if the thought of being upset crossed his mind. “The first half we played very, very well but the second half we forgot how to play up until the last 6 minutes of the game.” 

Meralco’s experience proved crucial as they countered with a 7-0 run to take the lead for good, 85-82, with 6:04 to play. This following a crucial call that saw Eloy Poligrates visibly signaling for a timeout to the referee as he held onto to the leather. Anthony was seen vying for the possession as well. The referee whistled for a jump ball instead of a timeout.

Mark Macapagal, who scored all of his 8 points in the payoff period, knocked down a trey with 4:12 remaining to stretch Meralco’s edge to 92-83.

But KIA would not just roll over and die. They continued to threaten Meralco with the upset ax well into the endgame as Jopher Custodio buried a three-pointer to bring the league newcomers to within 96-93 approaching the final minute of the contest. 

An ensuing turnover by Dillinger with 48.7 seconds remaining left the door ajar for KIA. But once again, inexperience played its part as Hans Thiele hesitated in taking the shot off an LA Revilla dish even though he was left wide open near the basket.

Hodge later punctuated the victory and their now 5-5 record with a breakaway jam for the final tally.

“I told them during one of the timeouts with about 4 or 5 minutes to go that we have two choices here, we can let this go because we already messed up by allowing them to come back from a 20-point deficit,” Black explained.  

“Or we can just compose ourselves and win the game. They responded well and they were able to regain control of the game.” 

John Wilson and Gary David also finished in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. 

“At this point, our season has been a roller coaster ride. Not just from game to game but also within games. So I’ll take the win and run with it and I’ll be very happy with it,” Black said. 

Big man Reynel Hugnatan missed his second straight game due to a knee injury. But Black assured he will return for the team’s next game against Globalport. 

“There was some swelling,” he said. “He has no knee damage to the point where he doesn’t have to miss more than two games. My feeling is I really need him for the playoffs.” 

Meanwhile, playing coach Manny Pacquiao started for his second PBA game and played for the first 6 minutes and 30 seconds. 

The 35-year old, who first held the handle at the 9:40 mark, was barely guarded by Meralco and registered two rebounds along with a turnover. He also missed two attempts from downtown, with the second one nearly falling before rimming out.

Reil Cervantes led the inspired KIA with 18 points on 3-of-5 triples while Poligrates and Revilla had 11 and 10 markers, respectively.

Scores 

Meralco (99): Dillinger 25, Hodge 17, Anthony 14, Wilson 11, David 10, Macapagal 8, Morrison 4, Cortez 3, Ferriols 3, Ildefonso 2, Sena 2, Buenafe 0, Guevarra 0.

KIA (93): Cervantes 18, Poligrates 11, Revilla 10, Bagatsing 10, Thiele 9, Alvarez 8, Pascual 8, Dehesa 7, Custodio 6, Webb 4, Burtscher 3, Pacquiao 0, Buensuceso 0. 

Quarter scores: 34-19, 60-39, 73-72, 99-93.

Here are photos from the game taken by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

– Rappler.com