Here are the live scores, updates, and results of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup between the Meralco Bolts and the San Miguel Beermen (SMB), scheduled on November 15, 2020, at 6:45 PM.
The duo of Reynel Hugnatan and rookie Aaron Black rose to the occasion, contributed a combined 30 points, including key hits at endgame, to win against the five-time defending champion San Miguel and force a win-or-go-home later today.
On the brink of elimination, the Bolts managed to start strong but merely held a slim four-point advantage, 71-67, against the Beermen.
In the final five minutes, SMB tried to orchestrate a comeback. However, the Norman Black-coached team had other plans and remained steady in the endgame.
Hugnatan, who played for 36 minutes, finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals to lead the Bolts. The rookie Black, playing for about 23 minutes, chipped in 14 points, including three triples that he acquired during the final 12 minutes.
Baser Amer, who suits up for the Bolts for almost 26 minutes, tallied 12 points and three triples, while ace player Chris Newsome, despite having an off night, finished with 11 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Bong Quinto recorded nine and 13 boards to go with four dimes for the Bolts.
For the upper-ranked San Miguel, Moala Tautuaa and Marcio Lassiter scored 14 and 12 points, respectively, with the former taking on the rebounding responsibility for his team, finishing with 11.
Lassiter, despite playing for 43 minutes, only made 1-for-9 threes.
On the other hand, Chris Ross had 10 points on 3-for-11 shooting but added seven assists and six rebounds.