Cardona free throws lift Bolts past slumping Tigers

Mark Cardona made two crucial free throws in the final 7.4 seconds to lift Meralco to an 88-85 win over Powerade as the Bolts stretched their winning run in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum. The former La Salle Green Archers shooting guard led the Bolts with 24 points despite coming off the bench in a performance that earned him nothing but praises from Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. “I have always thought that Mark is in the same level as James Yap," said Gregorio. “There are only four guys in this league whom you can put in the same category as game closers – Willie Miller, James Yap, Sol Mercado, and Cardona." The Bolts are now in the .500 mark (5-5), and have won three in a row to remain in the running for a playoff spot. “We badly needed this win. It was a separation win. We know we’re still in the danger zone. We don’t want to be ninth or 10th and if we can avoid seventh or eighth then we can aim for sixth or better. We’re very happy where we are right now," added Gregorio. Cardona’s two free throws gave the Bolts a three-point cushion, but the Tigers still had enough time to go for a game-tying three-pointer. With no more time-outs left, the Tigers desperately tried to launch a three-point shot. But the Meralco defense denied Powerade the opportunity as Mark Macapagal’s pass to an open Gary David came too late, with the league’s leading scorer failing to release the ball as the buzzer sounded. “We are slowly getting the hang of preserving a win with our defense. They (Tigers) were not able to launch an attempt in their last play," said Gregorio. Chris Ross almost had a triple-double performance for the Bolts with 12 rebounds, 10 assists and six points. Gabby Espinas was also active on the offensive end with 21 points as the Bolts outscored the Tigers on fastbreak points, 18-5. The loss was costly for the Tigers, who had rallied back from as much as a 13-point deficit at 68-55 in the third period. Powerade absorbed its eighth loss in 11 games, losing five straight, and are now on the brink of elimination in the season-opening meet. David and Macapagal finished with 18 each for the Tigers. Macapagal’s split from the foul line had Powerade threatening for the last time at 86-85 with 19.1 seconds to go. After that came Cardona’s two free throws for the final nail on the Tigers’ coffin. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV