PBA: Meralco Secures Victory Over NLEX for Fifth Win

Meralco Bolts Strengthen Playoff Hopes with Win Over NLEX

MANILA — The Meralco Bolts Strengthen Quarterfinal Bid with Fifth Win in PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.

They secured a 105-91 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, improving their record to 5-3 by delivering key baskets in the crucial moments.

"Our recent games have seen us struggle with slow starts, but this time, we found our rhythm early," said Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo after the match, while also praising their defense, anchored by Brandon Bates.

"Brandon was a revelation today. We have several big men, but he set the tone," Trillo emphasized. "Akil was our player of the game, but it was great to see Brandon perform at that level again. Depth is crucial in a series and the playoffs, so his contribution is a big help for us."

Akil Mitchell powered Meralco with 24 points, along with 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Bong Quinto contributed 16 points, six assists, two rebounds, and a steal.

CJ Cansino provided a spark off the bench with 13 points and three rebounds, while Brandon Bates delivered a solid performance with eight points, seven rebounds, and four blocks.

With 6:13 remaining, rookie Brandon Ramirez sank two free throws, bringing NLEX within two, 88-86. However, the Bolts responded swiftly, extending their lead to 93-86 after a Chris Newsome three-pointer and a Brandon Bates basket.

Meralco’s advantage grew to nine, 97-88, following a Bates dunk at the 3:28 mark. A Chris Banchero jumper from midrange with just nine seconds left stretched the lead to 14 points, marking the Bolts’ biggest lead just before the final buzzer.

With this victory, Meralco improved to 5-3, tying them with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the standings, while NLEX dropped to 3-5.

Despite the loss, Michael Watkins led all scorers with 38 points, 21 rebounds, and two steals, though his seven turnovers proved costly after the Road Warriors had once held a 19-9 first-quarter lead.

Meanwhile, Robert Bolick posted a double-double with 19 points and 10 assists, but struggled with eight turnovers, contributing to NLEX’s 23 total team turnovers.

Meralco 105 – Mitchell 24, Quinto 16, Cansino 13, Banchero 11, Black 11, Newsome 10, Hodge 9, Bates 8, Rios 3, Almazan 0, Caram 0.

NLEX 91 – Watkins 38, Bolick 19, Ramirez 12, Policarpio 6, Alas 5, Mocon 5, Torres 3, Semerad 3, Rodger 0, Fajardo 0, Miranda 0, Herndon 0, Amer 0.

Quarter Scores: 29-24, 54-49, 77-70, 105-91.

Credits By Rom Anzures