MERALCO DETHRONES PUREFOODS, MEETS ALASKA IN KO MATCH

The Purefoods Star Hotshots’ dominance of the PBA is over.

Meralco pulled a major coup, ending Purefoods Star’s four-peat run as the Bolts eased out the Hotshots, 77-65, in the first stage of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Cuneta Astrodome Thursday night.

Holding their own in an intense, rugged game, the Bolts sent the Hotshots back to earth and advanced to the knockout stage of the quarterfinals versus the Alaska Aces – 82-78 winners over the NLEX Warriors earlier in the day.

“It’s a huge triumph for the Meralco program. It’s big win and a big step for us,” said coach Norman Black after the Bolts essayed a first win in five playoff matchups with the Hotshots.

Meralco and Alaska meet in a do-or-die game Sunday or Tuesday for the right to play Rain or Shine in a best-of-seven semifinals.

A win by Meralco will send the team to a first semis stint in the all-Filipino tourney.

Highly motivated, the Bolts outworked and outplayed the Hotshots, making a dominant ride in the second half.

With slightly better shooting and rebounding early on, the Bolts took the half at 35-30.

Cliff Hodge and Jared Dillinger led their stand with the two Fil-Am forwards combining for 18 points and seven rebounds in the first 24 minutes of play.

Joe Davance carried much of the load for Purefoods in the first half, and himself nailed the shot that had the Hotshots drawing level with the Bolts at 44 in the third quarter.

Marc Pingris dominated with 10 rebounds but was 0-of-1 from the field and 0-of-2 from the stripe in the opening half.

The Hotshots were held to 10-of-30 clip by the Bolts who did better with 13-of-33 shooting.

Fighting aggressively, the Bolts enjoyed the biggest lead in the first half at 33-27.

And as they pressed their bid, the Bolts widened the gap to 56-48 going to the final 12 minutes of play.

Meralco simply sustained the momentum in the fourth quarter. (SB)

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