Every game is a must-win for Meralco as it targets a quarterfinal berth — or a Top Four finish — in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Meralco aims to close in on a quarterfinal seat — and a possible Top Four finish — as it faces off with Phoenix in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday, Dec. 12.
Match unfurls at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
Fresh from a month-long stint in the East Asia Super League last Wednesday, the Bolts returned to PBA action with authority, dismantling Terrafirma, 120–87, to even their record at 4–4.
[RELATED STORY: CJ Cansino, Meralco dedicate PBA PH Cup win to injured RHJ]
CJ Cansino led the charge with 20 points, including 11 in the third quarter, to key Meralco's breakaway. He also added eight rebounds and a steal.
The Bolts' balanced attack was on full display as Chris Banchero scored 13, Chris Newsome added 12, while Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan chipped in 11 points apiece.
Brandon Bates, meanwhile, controlled the paint with 16 rebounds on top of his seven points and three blocks.
Meralco is also playing with extra motivation, dedicating both its PBA and EASL campaigns to import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who suffered an Achilles injury in a match in the latter against the Macau Black Bears.
[RELATED STORY: EASL: Who will replace injured Meralco import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson?]
With the Fuel Masters at joint ninth with Titan Ultra with their identical 3-6 marks and fighting for survival, Meralco knows another strong showing is needed to stay firmly in the playoff hunt
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]