As I settled into my seat for Game 5 of this intense PBA semifinal series, I could feel the electricity in the arena. Having followed both Magnolia and Meralco throughout this conference, I knew we were in for something special tonight. The tension was palpable even before tip-off, with both teams having traded blows throughout the series, creating what felt like a heavyweight championship fight rather than just another basketball game.
The first quarter unfolded exactly as I'd anticipated - physical, defensive-minded basketball that's become the hallmark of both these squads. Magnolia came out with that trademark defensive intensity we've come to expect from Coach Chito Victolero's system, holding Meralco to just 18 points in the opening period. What impressed me most was how they disrupted Meralco's rhythm early, particularly their containment of Chris Newsome, who's been spectacular throughout these playoffs. Paul Lee, despite battling through what appeared to be some discomfort in his knee, managed to orchestrate the offense beautifully, finding gaps in Meralco's defense that simply shouldn't have been there.
Then came the second quarter where the game truly shifted momentum. Meralco's veteran presence, particularly Jared Dillinger, brought exactly what the Bolts needed. Looking at Dillinger's photo by Reuben Terrado during halftime, I was reminded of just how much basketball IQ he brings to the court. At 38 years young, he provided that spark off the bench with back-to-back three pointers that completely changed the game's complexion. His defense on Magnolia's shooters was equally impressive - he read passing lanes like he had the playbook memorized, creating two crucial turnovers that led to easy transition buckets. This is where coaching decisions really matter, and Coach Norman Black's trust in his veterans paid dividends when they needed it most.
The third quarter saw both teams trading baskets in what felt like a heavyweight boxing match. Magnolia's big men, particularly Ian Sangalang, dominated the paint with his soft touch around the rim, finishing with what I counted as 18 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting. But every time Magnolia seemed to be building momentum, Meralco would answer - often through Allein Maliksi's clutch shooting or Raymond Almazan's presence in the paint. The back-and-forth nature of this period had fans on the edge of their seats, with lead changes happening what felt like every other possession.
What struck me most about the fourth quarter was the strategic adjustments from both benches. Magnolia went small with Lee, Abueva, and Jalalon all on the floor together, creating defensive havoc with their switching schemes. But Meralco's poise under pressure was something to behold - they didn't panic when Magnolia went on their signature third quarter runs. Instead, they methodically worked their offense, often burning 18-20 seconds off the shot clock before getting quality looks. This is where championship experience truly shows, and Meralco demonstrated why they've been in these high-pressure situations before.
The final minutes were absolutely nerve-wracking. With Magnolia down by three with under a minute to play, they ran what appeared to be a set play for Paul Lee, but Meralco's defense rotated perfectly, forcing a contested three that rattled out. On the ensuing possession, Chris Newsome iced the game with a tough mid-range jumper over two defenders - a shot that only elite players make in those situations. Final score: Meralco 85, Magnolia 80.
Watching this game unfold, I couldn't help but appreciate the strategic battle between two excellent coaching staffs and the sheer will displayed by players on both sides. While some might focus on the offensive execution, what truly decided this game was defense and rebounding - Meralco outrebounded Magnolia 48-42, including 12 offensive boards that led to 16 second-chance points. These are the numbers that often get overlooked but ultimately decide playoff basketball games. This victory gives Meralco a 3-2 series advantage, putting them one win away from the finals, and based on what I saw tonight, they've got the momentum and defensive identity to close this out.