Meralco bolts out of the blue

MANILA, Philippines — Considered goners with a six-point deficit with 30.1 seconds to go in regulation, the Meralco Bolts pulled off an amazing trick and stole a 126-123 win in double-overtime over the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Bolts rose from the dead late in regulation and also came from behind in the first extension play before finally seizing control in the second OT to secure a third win against five losses.

The Batang Pier, meanwhile, dropped to 2-4 with a second straight blown won game.

“There was really a time when it was dim for us, but then we executed some plays and gave us a chance to win it in overtime,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

San Miguel Beer stayed sharp from a 25-day breather and smothered NLEX, 121-111, to move up to solo third at 5-3 later in the night.

“We badly need this win as we’re still aiming for the Top Two although we now have a slim chance. The good thing is we still have the chance,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

The Road Warriors just couldn’t keep up with the Beermen and reeled to a fifth loss against two wins.