The Meralco Bolts punched a ticket to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals after defeating the San Miguel Beermen, 100-93, on Saturday, January 18.

The Bolts improved to 7-3 as they notched their third straight win, while the Beermen slipped to 4-5.

The victory also spoiled the debut of San Miguel’s newest import, Malik Pope, who had 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.

Meralco held a 70-59 lead with less than six minutes left in the third period before the Beermen tied the game at 80 by the end of the said frame.

It was a tight fourth quarter for both squads as the Beermen led 89-86 before the Bolts rallied with less than five minutes left.

Chris Newsome’s triple ignited a 10-0 run for the Bolts before CJ Perez broke the San Miguel dry spell. Freebies from June Mar Fajardo and Pope put the Beermen within three, 96-93, before CJ Cansino made a jumper to widen the gap for the Bolts.

Chris Banchero and Cansino’s free throws eventually sealed the victory for the Bolts.

Akil Mitchell registered 26 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while Newsome led the locals with 20 points, as Banchero scored 19.

Fajardo posted 20 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and one block, while CJ Perez added 16 points. (GMA Integrated News)