TALL TASK Cliff Hodge challenges the defense of the newly crowned Best Player of the Conference, Jun Mar Fajardo, in Game 5 of the PBA Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts. The Bolts secured a commanding 3-2 series lead. PBA PHOTO
In another hoop showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Meralco Bolts survived a fierce late-game rally by the San Miguel Beermen to snatch a crucial 92-88 victory and seize a 3-2 series lead in the PBA Finals at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
Meralco's triumphant effort was led by the dynamic duo of Allein Maliksi and Chris Newsome, who both poured in 22 points each. Raymond Almazan contributed 14 points, while Chris Banchero added 12 points to bolster the Bolts' offensive charge.
From the onset, both teams displayed intense determination, trading baskets in a tightly contested affair. The first quarter ended with San Miguel narrowly ahead, 25-24, but Meralco managed to gain a slim one-point advantage by halftime, leading 47-46.
The game remained a nail-biter throughout the third quarter, with San Miguel clinging to a precarious 70-69 lead entering the final period. However, Meralco's resilience shone brightly in the crucial moments of the game.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Meralco intensified their defensive efforts while capitalizing on key scoring opportunities. Cliff Hodge and Baser Amer provided pivotal contributions, combining for crucial points and defensive stops to stave off San Miguel's late surge.
Despite Jun Mar Fajardo's heroic 38-point performance for the Beermen, supported by CJ Perez's 17 points, their efforts fell short against the Meralco.
With the win, the Bolts now hold a commanding 3-2 series lead, putting them just one victory away from claiming the championship.
Game 6 is a do-or-die situation for the Beermen as they clash on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at 6:15 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scores:
MERALCO 92: Maliksi 22, Newsome 22, Almazan 14, Banchero 12, Quinto 8, Bates 6, Hodge 6, Caram 2, Rios 0, Torres 0, Pascual 0.
SAN MIGUEL 88: Fajardo 38, Perez 17, Lassiter 6, Romeo 6, Cruz 6, Tautuaa 5, Trollano 5, Ross 3, Manuel 2.
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