The Meralco Bolts clinched the twice-to-beat advantage in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals after turning back an NLEX comeback, 104-101, last 22 September at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts led by as many as 20 points but had to overcome a late fightback by the Road Warriors before nailing a twice-to-beat incentive in an all-Filipino conference for the first time in franchise history, with one game to spare.
Allein Maliksi and Alvin Pasaol led the early attack by the Bolts, who improved to 8-2 (win-loss) and were guaranteed the No. 2 seed by virtue of their win over third-running Magnolia (8-3) during the elimination round.
Meralco will face Barangay Ginebra on Thursday in a game with little bearing for the Bolts but may determine the playoff fate of the Gin Kings.
Calvin Oftana exploded with 34 points including a late three-pointer that got NLEX within two points with 2.6 seconds to go, but the effort went for naught as the Road Warriors ended the eliminations with a 5-6 card.
Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge and back up big man Raymar Jose are back in harness for the Bolts after being placed under the league's health and safety protocols.
"Yes, Newsome, Hodge, and Jose cleared for the game," confirmed Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo.
Meanwhile, Meralco will miss the services of big man Reynel Hugnatan, who went out of the Pampanga bubble to attend the wake of his mother in Negros Occidental.
Also still out is injured (right hand) Bolts guard guard Aaron Black.
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