MANILA – Reynel Hugnatan scored the eventual game winner as Meralco sent its Philippine Basketball Association semifinal series against Ginebra to a deciding game with an 83-80 Game 4 squeaker on Wednesday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Hugnatan scored a jumper off a Chris Newsome feed with 15 seconds left as the Bolts recovered from the Barangay’s second half onslaught that put them at the cusp of clinching the best-of-five series.
Raymond Almazan then saved the game after blocking Stanley Pringle’s followup leading to Newsome’s dagger layup.
Hugnatan finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists for Meralco.
Newsome and Cliff Hodge each added 16 points with the former grabbing 11 rebounds for the double-double.
Pringle led Ginebra with 18 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Game 5 will be played on Friday night.
Box Scores:
Meralco 83 — Hugnatan 19, Newsome 16, Hodge 16, Almazan 11, Maliksi 8, Amer 4, Pinto 3, Black 2, Quinto 2, Jamito 2, Jackson 0, Caram 0
Ginebra 80 — Pringle 18, Dillinger 15, Thompson 13, J. Aguilar 12, Tenorio 8, Caperal 8, Mariano 6, Devance 0, Tolentino 0Quarterscores: 26-21, 44-31, 60-64, 83-80 (PNA)