Meralco Bolts survive Barako Bull Energy

Game today:

Dipolog City

6:30 p.m.- Alaska vs. Globalport

The Meralco Bolts once again flirted with another collapse before escaping Barako Bull Energy Cola, 85-73, in the first game of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts erected a 19-point lead in the third quarter but lowered their guards down that enabled Barako Bull to creep back into the game.

Barako Bull rallied within 67-73 in the 8:11 mark of the final period but Meralco woke up and staged a 9-0 run to restore another double-digit spread, 82-67, with five minutes left.

The game was never close after that as Meralco recovered from an 85-88 loss to the Alaska Aces last Wednesday night.

Against the Aces, the Bolts were in the lead late in the game but collapsed in the closing minutes to yield the victory.

Meralco also suffered a monumental collapse last Nov. 21 when it squandered a huge 21-point third quarter lead in a 98-102 overtime loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Keeping their composure in the endgame against Barako Bull bolstered the Bolts’ chances of earning a higher seeding in the quarterfinal round.

The win shoved the Bolts to solo fifth spot in the standings with a 7-6 (win-loss) record.

Rookie Kelly Nabong was the surprise top scorer for the Bolts with 12 points, while Sol Mercado, Reynel Hugnatan and Sunday Salvacion chipped in 11 points each.

Meralco will take a 10-day rest before playing its final elimination round assignment against the tough San Mig Coffee Mixers.