DESPERATE times call for desperate measures.

Meralco showed its survival skills as it staved off elimination, upsetting Rain or Shine, 82-72, in a dominant win to snap its six-game losing streak and stayed alive in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup last night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Three starters led the charge for the Bolts, with Chris Newsome grabbing a game-high 19 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Cliff Hodge had a monster double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds and Jonathan Uyloan also had a splendid game of 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.

EXPERIENCING a “resurrection” of late in the PBA Philippine Cup, the Mahindra Floodbuster are out to build on their winning streak, eyeing a third straight victory in their showdown with the TNT KaTropa today at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Victorious in their last two assignments after starting the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) conference with five straight defeats, the Floodbuster (2-5) look to continue with their seeming tournament turnaround in their 4:15 p.m. encounter against the skidding KaTropa (4-4).

LOOKING to further promote its brand and showcase the kind of institution it is, AMA Education System (AMAES) has made a conscious effort to try out various activities and explore partnerships, including joining the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League), which officials said has been an “effective” venture for them.

THE Blackwater Elite stopped their losing skid yesterday, beating the Alaska Aces, 103-100, but not after having made to labor in the PBA Philippine Cup opening match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing catch-up for much of the contest, the Elite turned to a collective effort to rally back and win their first game in three outings to pad their record to 5-4 and fortify their place for a quarterfinal spot in the season-opening conference of the Philippine Basketball Association.

TWO more games with big implications in the race to the quarterfinals are set to take place in the resumption of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

The Blackwater Elite (5-4) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (4-4), teams in the middle of the pack, try to avoid possible elimination and enhance their chances of securing a berth in the quarterfinals when they battle at 7 p.m.

Struggling to buy a bucket, Meralco fell to its sixth straight defeat, losing to Finals tormentor Ginebra, 83-72 Saturday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at University of San Agustin Gym in Ilo-ilo.

Shooting a measly 26-percent from the field, the Bolts further fell in danger of missing out the playoffs as the Gin Kings put on a stranglehold on defense.

Ginebra broke the game wide open and took a 14-point lead, 79-65, on a Japeth Aguilar jumper with 1:59 left in the third period.

Though it will take time for him to make his debut in a Meralco jersey, Chris Lutz is elated with his new start.

Joining the Bolts on Monday after being dropped to the unrestricted free agent pool by San Miguel, the 31-year-old swingman is excited on the prospects of rebooting his professional career.

THE much-anticipated battle between the top two teams finally takes place as sizzling San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine collide in a titanic clash in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

Winners of six straight, the top-ranked Beermen (7-1) are on a roll and they plan on continuing their surge, but the second-running Elasto Painters (5-2) are likewise on a streak.