Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
The Meralco Bolts are rolling! They’ve extended their winning streak to four games on Sep 7 after sweeping their match-up against the Magnolia Hotshots. They are the winningest team in Group A with a 5-1 card.
Newsome powered the Bolts to victory as he registered a game-high 21 points, along with 8 rebounds and 3 assists. He also shot an impressive 7-12 from the field. Bong Quinto provided valuable support with 16 points, while Allen Durham contributed a solid 15 points and a couple of rebounds.
Magnolia, on the other hand, faced a tough challenge today in the absence of their import, Shabazz Muhammad, who is still awaiting FIBA clearance. But Zavier Lucero rose to the occasion, he paced his team with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. He was supported by Mark Barroca with 12 points, Paul Lee who had 11, and Jerrick Balanza who had 10 points off the bench.
Meralco’s Energy vs. Magnolia’s Resilience
Both teams struggled early, missing shots and turning the ball over. But Meralco was able to separate themselves from Magnolia because of their energy and hustle. However, the all-Filipino Magnolia squad displayed resilience, refusing to let the Meralco take over. Despite the challenges, they managed to keep the game close, holding the Bolts’ advantage to single digits for most of the contest.
Meralco built a 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter (71-58), fueled by contributions from across their roster. But Magnolia refused to fold. Lucero ignited the team with a quick five points. Barroca’s defense then resulted in a steal, and he found a wide-open Aris Dionisio for a transition three-pointer, trimming the lead to a manageable four points (74-70).
But Meralco was able to endure the storm as they responded with clutch shots and defensive stops to push their lead back to 8 points. Magnolia was still fighting back, but in the final moments, Paul Lee committed a huge mistake of fouling Newsome at the three-point line. Newsome made the most of the opportunity, securing the win for Meralco.
The Scores :
- MERALCO 82 – Newsome 21, Quinto 16, Durham 15, Banchero 10, Cansino 6, Bates 5, Pascual 4, Mendoza 3, Caram 2, Jose 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0
- MAGNOLIA 74 – Lucero 14, Barroca 12, Lee 11, Balanza 10, Sangalang 9, Abueva 7, Dionisio 7, Laput 2, Ahanmisi 2, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0
- QUARTERS: 19-14, 39-30, 62-49, 82-74
