The Meralco Bolts drew first blood in the Best-of-Seven 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Series
The Bolts rallied in the second half to defeat the defending champions, San Miguel Beer, 93-86 in Game One on Wednesday, June 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome both scored 18 points while Bong Quinto and Allein Maliksi each added 15 points to pave the way for the victory of Meralco.
The Bolts trailed behind by 10 points at most during the first half but a three point basket by Quinto allowed the team to take the lead in the first minutes of the third quarter.
Before the start of the final period, a last-second basket by CJ Perez allowed the Beermen to take back the lead, 72-70
However, San Miguel trailed throughout the rest of the match after the Bolts regained control, and went up, 79-75, in the fourt quarter.
Back-to-back baskets by Raymond Almazan and Banchero widened the gap, 93-83, before the game concluded.
Seven-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Perez tallied 20 points for the Beermen.
Meralco will attempt to take a 2-0 lead in the series when the team faces San Miguel anew on Game Two on Friday, June 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
