Bolts thwart FiberXers, gain quarters

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco shut off Converge’s electrifying rally from 29 to secure a quarterfinals-clinching 105-99 win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Bolts banked two big free throws from Chris Banchero in the last 11 seconds to restore a more comfortable 105-97 cushion after the FiberXers got to within six en route to their fourth straight victory.

At 6-1 overall, the charging Bolts drew level with idle Phoenix at No. 2 and joined the Fuel Masters and pacesetting Magnolia (7-1) into the Last-8 march.

“We’re there already in the quarterfinals and now we have a chance to get into the Top 2,” said coach Luigi Trillo, whose team also went into the game carrying momentum from its 97-88 breakthrough in the East Asia Super League at the expense of Japan ruler Ryukyu last Wednesday in Macau.

Landing in the upper half of the quarterfinals will be beneficial for qualifiers like Meralco for it comes with a twice-to-beat advantage against their opponents in the bottom four.

Later, San Miguel Beer held TNT scoreless in the last 2:08 to prevail, 98-93, and go 5-3 for tie for fourth with idle NorthPort. The Tropang Giga slid to 4-4.