Meralco keeps its playoff bid alive at the expense of Phoenix, 88-78, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday.

CJ Cansino led the Bolts with 22 points as they are now tied with Barangay Ginebra with identical 5-4 win-loss records.

Hanging onto a 75-72 lead in the fourth quarter, Meralco went on a 10-3 run capped by a Chris Newsome triple with 3:33 left in the game to put the game out of reach.

Newsome had 17 points while Bong Quinto had 11 points for the Bolts.

Jayson Perkins and Ricci Rivero had 13 points apiece for the Fuel Masters but sank to a 3-7 slate, ending their playoff chances.