Bolts edge Kings to keep playoff bid alive

 The Meralco Bolts are still in the running for a post-season berth in the PBA Commissioners Cup after defeating the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 89-80, Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Earl Barron and Mac Cardona led the way with 27 and 25 points, respectively.

It was only the Bolts' second win against four losses, but it allowed them to move to ninth place in the league standings and keep their playoff hopes alive.

"For as long as there's still a game to be played, we're hoping that we can catch the last bus," Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio told PBA.ph. "It will help if we start winning now."

Ginebra import Jackson Vroman struggled due to foul trouble in the second half, and the Bolts took advantage of his absence by building a lead as large as 18 points.

The Kings were able to cut the lead to four points in the final period, but the Meralco lead was too large to overcome.

Sol Mercado added 17 points, and Gregorio said he was happy to see Mercado and Cardona playing well together.

"In this game, we saw a glimpse of what could be in the future. Many are saying Mac and Sol can't co-exist," Gregorio said.

"But at least in this game, the two guys showed that they can work together," he added.

Vroman scored 19 points while Mark Caguioa added 19 markers as well. The Kings dropped their second game of the season and are now tied for second place with the Petron Blaze Boosters, Alaska Aces and B-Meg Llamados.

The scores:

MERALCO 89 - Barron 27, Cardona 25, Mercado 17, Hugnatan 8, Espinas 6, Ross 2, Borboran 2, Taulava 2, Timberlake 0, Macapagal 0.

GINEBRA 80 - Vroman 19, Caguioa 19, Villanueva 8, Ababou 7, Mamaril 6, Cortez 6, Helterbrand 4, Labagala 3, Canaleta 3, Raymundo 3, Wilson W. 2, Hatfield 0.

Quarters: 16-22, 41-35, 66-50, 89-80

source: abs-cbnnews.com

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