The Meralco Bolts is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters at 7:00 P.M. on November 9, 2018 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Related: Meralco vs Phoenix | November 7, 2018 | PBA Livestream – 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Quarterfinals Round

The Bolts able to dodge a bullet in their first quarterfinals game against the Fuel Masters last Wednesday. Now, Meralco is just a win away to qualify to the semis but Phoenix are looking to make a bounce back game.

Barangay Ginebra is so popular with their “Never-Say-Die” spirit and it seems there’s another team in the league that currently show that character. The squad is none other than their Governors’ Cup rival, the Meralco Bolts.

It all started when they needed to sweep all of their remaining games in order to snag a quarterfinals ticket. That is ticked in their to-do task and now that they’re in the first round of the playoffs, another do-or-die battle is waiting for them.

Meralco took care of the business in their first game and pushed their series to a knockout game.

To solidify their semis bid, the Bolts has activated the services of Jared Dillenger and instantly his presence was felt especially on the defensive end as he shutdown Fuel Masters energetic forward Calvin Abeuva.

His seven minutes playing time was valuable and Bolts head coach Norman Black is looking to extend his minutes this evening.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to force him in this situation – a do-or-die game – because he hasn’t played the entire conference. But he showed me that he can get out there and give me a few minutes. Definitely, he’ll show up on Friday,” Black said.

Indeed, Meralco needs to use whatever available talents they have as the odds are not on their side.

In the history of the league only 12 teams defied that odds (113-101).

Phoenix has twice-to-beat advantage against the Bolts.