In the first game of the day, the Meralco Bolts welcome the return of their coach Norman Black who arrive from the U.S. for the burial of a family member by beating the San Miguel Beerman. The Bolts level the count to 1 all by scoring of the PBA Philippine Cup Best of seven semi final series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Led by five of its players Cliff Hodge, Aaron Black, Allein Maliksi, Chris Newsome and Toto Jose who all scored in double digits, the Bolts maintain their composure up to the end of the game.
They will break the tie on Sunday for the third game on the same venue.
In the second game meanwhile, the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots also made the count to 1 – 1 win – lose record in the Game 2 of their own best of seven series by scoring a 92 – 88 win over the TNT Tropang Giga.
Two of the Hotshots’ veterans made the difference by scoring 42 points. Mark Barocca scored 22 points and Ian Sangalang added 20 points.
The Hotshots were able to post a 19-point lead at one point but veteran William Jason Castro and rookie Michael Williams plus a three pointer by veteran Kelly Williams rallied the Gigas to within 2 points , 90 to 88 but time did not allow the Tropang Giga to reverse the outcome.
Game 3 will be tomorrow still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (Max Ferrer)
