Petron downs Meralco in Game 1 of quarterfinal best-of-three series, nears semis round

The Petron Blaze Boosters took one step closer towards the semifinal round as they defeated the Meralco Bolts, 91-84, in Game 1 of the best-of-three quarterfinal series in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Wily guard Alex Cabagnot was once again his efficient self as he inflicted the most damage upon the Bolts with an all-around performance of 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Cabagnot was also the prime catalyst in Petron’s getaway in the fourth period as he scored back-to-back four-point plays that pushed the Blaze Boosters ahead.

The game was close for most of the match with the score being tied at 40-all at halftime and Petron slightly ahead, 63-60, heading to the final period. The match was tied for the last time at 68-all after a jumper by Meralco’s Mark Isip but Cabagnot dug deep into his bag of tricks and pulled off a rare four-point play on their offensive.

Showing that lightning does strike twice, Cabagnot did it once again on their next possession for a 76-68 lead with 6:26 left in the game. He followed it up by setting Rob Reyes up for an open jumper. Chris Lutz, back from an injury that sidelined him for several games, scored for an 80-68 lead.

The Bolts came as close as six, 80-86, after four straight points from Gabby Espinas but Cabagnot quickly shut down that uprising with a lay-up off a gutsy drive for an 88-80 lead with 1:30 left.

Arwind Santos paced the winners with 19 points while Lutz added 18. Reyes and Denok Miranda also contributed with 12 and 11, respectively.

BOX SCORES:

PETRON 91 – Santos 19, Lutz 18, Cabagnot 14, Reyes 12, Miranda 11, Yeo 9, Sharma 4, Ildefonso 4, Doruelo 0, Baclao 0, Tugade 0.

MERALCO 84 – Mercado 18, Espinas 13, Cardona 12, Isip 10, Taulava 9, Yee 7, Borboran 6, Timberlake 2, Macapagal 2, Omolon 2, Hugnatan 2, Lanete 1.