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Purefoods' Joe Devance challenges Meralco's Jared Dillinger. Photo by Mark Cristino for ABS-CBNNews.com

MANILA - Meralco ended the Purefoods Star Hotshots' reign as PBA Philippine Cup champion by squeezing out a 77-65 victory in the quarterfinal round of the season-opening conference on Thursday.

Coming into the game with a twice-to-beat advantage, the Bolts upended the Hotshots at the Cuneta Astrodome and arranged a knockout game against Alaska in the second phase of the playoffs.

Its big win and a big step for us, said Meralco coach Norman Black in the PBA website.

Jared Dillinger led the way for the Bolts with 14 points under his name. Meralco also got a big boost from Cliff Hodge and Mike Cortez, who churned out 12 and 11, respectively.

Meralco out-rebounded Purefoods while banking on steady shooting to take a 35-30 halftime lead.

The Bolts later broke the game open going to the final quarter, 56-48.

It was a big win for Black and his team after he left Talk N Text to coach Meralco this season.

Its a huge triumph for the Meralco program, he said.

Purefoods got 21 points from Joe Devance, who was most dangerous in the first half. James Yap added 14 points for the Hostshots, who were coming off a Grand Slam in the previous PBA season.

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Meralco topples Purefoods for KO game vs Alaska