PBA: Bong Quinto steps up big in Meralco OT win over Magnolia

FILE–Meralco Bolts’ Bong Quinto during a game vs Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Most people forget how big a role Bong Quinto played in Meralco’s Philippine Cup championship in 2024.

So he reminded everyone what he’s capable of in the Bolts’ 105-102 overtime win over Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Saturday.

Even coach Luigi Trillo acknowledged his importance to the squad.

“He was relevant in our championship,” he said of Quinto. “He was a starter. Obviously, we have a lot of players right now but with the next man mentality, Bong had to defend other guys at certain times and I’m very proud of him.”

FILE–Meralco Bolts’ Bong Quinto during a game vs Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

After struggling mightily in the early goings of the game, Quinto came alive when it mattered most.

The fifth-seeded Hotshots led the Bolts by one late in the fourth quarter, 90-89, before Quinto drilled a step-back triple to bring his squad back in the driver’s seat, 92-90, with 29.5 to go in regulation.

Then, in overtime with the score tied at 100-all, the Letran product pulled up from midrange to give Meralco the 102-100 lead with 37.9 remaining.

Quinto ended up with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists despite shooting 4-of-9 from the field.

“We drafted him and I’m glad we did. He’s come a long way and we trust him,” said Trillo.

The Bolts look to have Quinto’s contributions for the import-laden conference’s semifinals, where they take on either TNT or NLEX.