MANILA, Philippines: Meralco's veterans rose to the occasion as the Bolts outlasted the Phoenix Fuel Masters in triple overtime, 116-107 to force a sudden death in their PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal match on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.

Bong Quinto fired 14 of his 19 points in the three extension period, while Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi chipped in as well to help the Bolts complete their comeback from a 15-point, first-half deficit.

It was a sorry loss for the Fuel Masters, who entered the opening round of the playoffs, needing just to win once to advance to the best-of-five semifinals.

Phoenix held an 84-81 lead in regulation, but Chris Newsome buried a three-pointer to help Meralco force overtime.

The Bolts will try to finish off the Fuel Masters on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena and secure the semifinal seat.

Cliff Hodge led Meralco with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while import Shonn Miller added 18 and 20 boards.

Maliksi and Aaron Black had 18 apiece for the Bolts, who outrebounded the Fuel Masters, 65-51.

Phoenix import Johnathan Williams had 24 points and 24 rebounds, becoming only the fourth's import in PBA history to have played in more than 60 minutes in a PBA game (after Lambert Shell, Lew Masset and Michael Qualls).

The last time a three-overtime happened game was in the 2019 Governors Cup quarterfinal sudden-death game between NorthPort then No.1 seed NLEX which Batang Pier won, 126-123.

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