MERALCO sent five-time defending San Miguel on the brink of elimination with a stunning 78-71 victory on Friday in the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center.
Reynel Hugnatan and Aaron Black came up with crucial plays for the Bolts to shut down a late Beermen rally as the fifth-seeded team forced a rubber match in their playoff for a seat in the semifinal round.
The victory, which came a day after the 63rd birthday of coach Norman Black, moved the Bolts within another victory this weekend of ending the Beermen dynasty in the most prestigious conference of the league.
The win-or-go-home match happens on Sunday.