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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Bolts, FiberXers jockey for position

Bolts, FiberXers jockey for position

Published Dec 13, 2025 03:24 pm

At A Glance

  • Meralco and Converge engage in a crucial game with both squads looking to bolster their bid for a quarterfinal incentive in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday, Dec. 14.
Chris Newsome leads Meralco as the Bolts go for a three-game win streak that could boost their quarters bonus bid. (PBA Images)
Chris Newsome leads Meralco as the Bolts go for a three-game win streak that could boost their quarters bonus bid. (PBA Images)
Meralco and Converge engage in a crucial game with both squads looking to bolster their bid for a quarterfinal incentive in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday, Dec. 14.
Playing their third match in six days, the Bolts (5-4) try to overcome fatigue as they go for a three-game win streak against the FiberXers (6-3) in their 7:30 p.m. contest.
Opening the double-header is a 5:15 p.m. collision between Titan UItra (3-6), which is aiming to keep its tournament going when it faces Phoenix Fuel Masters (3-7).
As the standings get complicated with the conference nearing the playoff round, a victory for either Meralco and Converge would make an interesting battle for the remaining teams with the twice-to-beat bonuses at stake.
With Rain or Shine (7-2) and San Miguel (6-2) seemingly in a better position at first and second spots, Magnolia, Converge, and NLEX are in danger of free falling in a snap as they all hold a similar 6-3 card.
Meralco, Ginebra (5-4), and TNT (5-3) still have their chance to steal the coveted Top Four seats and avoid the trap in the quarters.
Chris Newsome, who took charge in the Bolts’ 88-78 triumph over Phoenix last Friday, is expected to lead the pack anew with emerging scorer CJ Cansino, and mainstays Bong Quinto and Cliff Hodge.
Converge, which is coming from an 84-90 loss to Rain or Shine, leans on its prized rookie Juan Gómez de Liaño alongside Larry Muyang, Alec Stockton, Deschon Winston, and Justine Baltazar with the goal of maintaining their current No. 4 position or even better it to No. 3.
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