The Meralco Bolts booked the last quarterfinal ticket after they escaped the Powerade Tigers, 102-98, last night in a do-or-die game of the 37th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Earl Barron produced 33 points and 18 rebounds, while Mark Cardona had 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Meralco, which advanced to the best-of-three quarterfinal round, where they will meet the loser in the B-Meg-Ginebra tussle being played as of this writing.
The winner in that match will advance to the semifinal round to join automatic qualifier Talk ‘N Text.
Barron made a living with his several trips at the freethrow line, where he went 10-for-15. His last made freebies was what put the Bolts out of harm’s way after the Tigers rallied within, 98-100 on a three-point shot by Marcio Lassiter in the final 12.2 seconds.
Down by six points with only 30 seconds left, Powerade made the game more interesting when Chris Ross missed three of four free throws and import Dwayne Jones and Lassiter combined for five straight points for Powerade.
Powerade’s comeback bid was thwarted when Barron delivered two crucial free throws.
Veteran center Asi Taulava scored 16 points, Ross had 12 for the Bolts, who sealed their first-ever playoff appearance in an import-laced tournament.
Jones, Lassiter and Gary David both finished with 20 points for the Tigers, who bowed out losing their last three games.