Meralco moved a step closer to advancing to the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals by shutting the door on the hopes of Phoenix by way of an 88-78 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last 12 December Friday night.
The Bolts leaned on Bong Quinto, Chris Banchero, and Chris Newsome to close out the Fuel Masters on the way to following up their massive 120-87 victory over Terrafirma just two nights ago at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
But more importantly, the 2024 conference champions regained the no. 7 spot in the standings with a 5-4 record–a spot which rivals Barangay Ginebra snatched earlier following a comfortable victory over the also-ran Terrafirma.
These results have ultimately enabled both squads to keep not only their QF hopes alive but their aspirations as well of finishing within the Top Four, which merits a twice-to-beat incentive in the Magic Eight that begins 23 December.
And winning against the 6-3 Converge this 14 December, then the current No. 2 team, San Miguel Beer (6-2), on 19 December, should boost that bid further.
"They’re vying for the Top Four. Kami naman, we’re hoping now to make the Top Four," said head coach Luigi Trillo. "I think right now, we’re still not a hundred percent sure na nasa quarters kami. We need some things to fall our way."
"We don’t control our destiny for that. I mean, this game did not guarantee us the quarterfinals. Kailangan talunin muna namin ang Converge," he added, as collecting six wins will only assure the team a spot in the next round.
CJ Cansino top-scored for Meralco with a game-high 22 points on the way to earning his second consecutive Player of the Game citation.
The sophomore scored 12 of his points in the opening period alone as he led his side to a strong 30-19 start before the opposition caught up.
Newsome finished with 17 points, none bigger than the two three-pointers he knocked down in back-to-back fashion to completely repel the Fuel Masters after the latter cut the gap to seven, 82-75, entering the final minutes.
Quinto finished with 11 points and eight rebounds to lead the bench mob, while Cliff Hodge chipped in 10 points and six rebounds for the Bolts.
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