SENSING the finish line, Meralco will be shooting for no less than the franchise's first-ever league title as the Bolts clash with the embattled San Miguel Beermen (SMB) in Game 6 of their PBA Philippine Cup Finals series on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts took a pivotal 3-2 series lead on Friday after subduing the Beermen, 92-88.

Now moving into the cusp of a league championship for the first time since joining the PBA in the 2010-2011, Meralco gets the first of its two chances to win the title outright.

Allein Maliksi fired 22 points, stepping up big-time to bring in the needed firepower.

Chris Newsome also had 22 markers, along with five rebounds and five assists in a do-it-all performance against SMB.

June Mar Fajardo posted a season-high 38 points and 18 boards, but will need all the help he can get from SMB's deep bench if the Beermen hopes to force a sudden death match.

CJ Perez was a big letdown last Friday after shooting just 4-of-16 from the floor, while Marcio Lassiter finished with just six on 3-of-11 shooting.

Still, both veterans are capable of bouncing back strong, particularly in a game where the Beermen's backs are against the wall.

San Miguel's depth chart includes Terrence Romeo, Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz, all grizzled veterans also who will have to explode on offense, also in order for the Beermen to force the rubber match.