Meralco Dominates Gin Kings, Boosts Top-Four Bid

Meralco strengthened its push for a Top Four finish in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup with a commanding 112-91 victory over Barangay Ginebra on Friday night at the packed SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts started steadily, holding a slim four-point lead after the first quarter, but took control in the second period with a decisive 29-13 run that gave them a 60-40 halftime advantage. From there, Meralco never looked back, delivering a much-needed bounce-back after dropping their previous two games.

Coach Luigi Trillo’s squad showed better discipline than in recent losses to NLEX and San Miguel, maintaining their intensity and execution through the final buzzer to avoid another late-game collapse.

With the win, the MVP-backed Bolts improved to 6-3, climbing to sole possession of fourth place. They enter the final three elimination games with momentum, beginning with a key matchup against Blackwater on Sunday.

Ginebra, meanwhile, slipped to 7-3 but remains third, trailing league leaders NLEX and Rain or Shine, both at 8-2.

"This was a team on a winning streak, and they solidified themselves in the Top Four. This gives us a better chance to secure a Top Four spot," said Trillo, as Meralco ended Ginebra’s five-game winning run.

Meralco’s balanced attack was crucial, with eight players scoring in double figures. Marvin Jones led the charge with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while CJ Cansino also had 18 on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting night, including a triple.

Chris Newsome contributed 12 points, half coming from beyond the arc, while Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto added 11 points apiece. Jason Brickman and Chris Banchero chipped in 10 points each as the Bolts amassed 27 assists, outpacing Ginebra by 13 and showcasing their ball movement.

"Top Four is really crucial when you’re aiming to win a championship. You want every advantage you can get, and Top Four gives you a win-once incentive in the playoffs," Newsome said.

For Ginebra, RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee led the offense with 24 and 23 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to extend their winning streak.

The Kings now turn their focus to closing out the elimination round, starting with Rain or Shine on Sunday, before a highly anticipated showdown with TNT on May 10.