Meralco is on the search for its first win over Ginebra this season as the Bolts look to stay alive in the PBA Governors' Cup playoffs.
The Meralco Bolts are facing a must-win situation as they take on Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarterfinals on September 30 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Trailing 0-2, the Bolts are on the brink of elimination and must deliver a win to avoid being swept by Ginebra for the first time since 2018 in a PBA playoff setting.
Meralco, the no. 2 seed in Group A, came agonizingly close to leveling the series in Game 2, falling just short in a 104-103 loss after a game-winning three-pointer by Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Allen Durham delivered a standout performance for the Bolts, finishing with 39 points and 14 rebounds.
Chris Newsome added 23 points, while Cliff Hodge chipped in with 15, continuing their strong form in the series.
However, for the Bolts to extend this quarterfinals battle, they’ll need more production from key players like Chris Banchero, who has been struggling to find his rhythm.
Banchero, who averaged 15.4 points per game to lead the Meralco locals in the eliminations, has seen his output drop to just 7.0 points per game in the playoffs. His resurgence will be crucial for the Bolts as they look to stave off elimination.
With the conference on the line, Meralco must summon all its resilience and firepower to force an extension. Tip off for the crucial Game 3 will be at 5:00 p.m. from the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]