The Meralco Bolts is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Talk ‘N Text KaTropa Texters at 7:00 P.M. on June 9, 2017 in Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The series is now even at 1-1 and it will be a win-or-go-home battle between the Bolts and KaTropa. The winner of the game will be facing the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the semi-final round.
Despite of having Alex Stepheson in foul trouble, Meralco demonstrated will and focus to win Game 2.
Coach Norman Black’s squad was leading in the entire ball game except in the fourth where they got held scoreless for more than five minutes.
Talk ‘N Text KaTropa saw an opportunity and immediately they took advantage as they climbed back from a deficit.
Kelly Williams put back slam with few minutes left in the fourth quarter ignites the comeback of TNT which all ended to an overtime game.
In the extra period, most fans thought that it’ll be an advantage for KaTropa as Bolts import committed his last foul in the fourth quarter.
However, Meralco found their unlikely hero in Kelly Nabong. Not only that he made the tipped in basket with few seconds remaining in OT but also his superb defense against Joshua Smith.
Nabong finished with 15 points behind Baser Amer’s career night who scored 32 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
For TNT fans, there’ll be good news as former Gilas standout Ranidel de Ocampo will be playing back after got sidelined for the first two games of their quarterfinals series.
“May iniinda ako,” said De Ocampo on why he sat out Game Two.
“May konting dinaramdam si Ranidel, but he’s coming back in Game Three. He’s okay,” said the TNT coach.