With the 94-72 thrashing, Tim Cone and his men are smelling blood as they are now just one win away from yet another Governor’s Cup title.

Not Allen Durham’s third Best Import Award or even the courageous return of Raymond Almazan, who took the court despite having a meniscal tear, could raise Meralco’s chances in Game 4. Durham’s shiny plaque and Almazan’s 12 points and nine rebounds on a really, really bum knee was laid to waste by Ginebra’s overwhelming momentum.

After a slow first quarter that ended in a 14-14 deadlock, the Gin Kings raced through the next three quarters, scoring 28, 28, and 24 points. They also shot a series-best 46% from the field and hounded the Bolts to committing 19 turnovers and shooting below 38% for the second-straight game.

Perhaps fuelling motivation from his Meralco counterpart getting a recognition, Ginebra import Justin Brownlee proceeded guided his crew on both ends. He was one swat away from a hallowed “5×5” performance as he tallied 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and four blocks.

Stanley Pringle and his high-wire act, meanwhile, was on display again. The Ginebra newcomer had 21 points and a couple of highlight plays that further exposed the Bolts’ inability to contain the guard position.

Meralco is still alive…. until Friday

Unless Allen Durham and Chris Newsome suddenly put on a 2016 NBA Finals LeBron James and Kyrie Irving-type of performance over the next three games, which will be very fun and exciting, it’s probably time to stick a fork in the Meralco Bolts.

Game 4 was a must-win and the team just crumbled. They couldn’t make shots, take care of the ball, and match the defense’s energy. The inexplicable reliance on threes despite constant bricking was awful to watch as well (3-for-26 from three).

Game 5 will be this Friday, January 17th, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.