BOLTS MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

Meralco restored power after a listless first half to eke out an 86-83 nail-biter over Terrafirma yesterday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

- OLMIN LEYBA

Bong Quinto and Norbert Torres generated the energy in the final push, allowing the Bolts to wrest control after trailing by as many as 11.

Quinto fired nine in the fourth while Torres shot a pair of big-time triples in his 10-point barrage as Meralco finally overtook the Dyip, 79-74.

With a seven-point spree by Quinto, two pivotal offensive rebounds by Cliff Hodge and key defensive plays by Torres and Allein Maliksi, the Bolts fended off Terrafirma's late attempts at a steal and secured the followup to their 91-73 win over Ginebra just before the league's two-week break.

At 3-3 overall, Luigi Trillo's troops drew level with the Dyip at fifth spot.