Meralco's Bong Quinto in action. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Bong Quinto drained a game-winner for Meralco, completing a come-from-behind 105-104 triumph over NorthPort in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Bolts erased what was once a 15-point deficit, coming alive in the fourth quarter as the Batang Pier struggled from the 15-foot line in the last 23 seconds.

READ: PBA: TNT routs Terrafirma by 36 pts, gets back-to-back wins

Both Sidney Onwubere and Jio Jalalon had their chances to expand NorthPort's lead on the foul line late in the ballgame, but they went 0-of-4 as Chris Banchero, Chris Newsome, and a beautiful Quinto conversion under the hoop off a drive all produced for a 6-0 run in that time frame to steal the win from the Batang Pier.

With this, the Bolts have finally seen a glimpse of hope, arresting their three-game skid while dealing NorthPort's fourth straight loss.

READ: PBA: 'Patient' Rain or Shine pulls away late to escape Blackwater

Newsome and Banchero breached the 20-point territory for Meralco with 24 and 23, respectively, while Quinto concluded the match with a 17-point outing including nine rebounds.

For his part, Cliff Hodge had a massive double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds to go with five assists, with Aaron Black chipping in 14 markers.

Joshua Munzon exploded for 36 points, but that effort was down the drain as NorthPort continued to struggle and close out the match in their favor.

William Navarro was at far second in NorthPort scoring with 14, while Jalalon had 11 markers.

Meralco seeks back-to-back wins against TNT on Sunday, May 11. NorthPort aims to vent its ire on Converge next week, May 16.

The Scores:

MERALCO 105 – Newsome 24, Banchero 23, Hodge 18, Quinto 17, Black 14, Cansino 3, Bates 2, Jose 2, Almazan 0, Pasaol 0, Caram 0, Torres 0

NORTHPORT 104 – Munzon 36, Navarro 14, Jalalon 11, Kwekuteye 10, Flores 10, Nelle 7, Onwubere 7, Cuntapay 6, Bulanadi 3, Nava 0, Taha 0

QUARTERS: 21-30, 42-54, 74-81, 105-104