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Chris Newsome saves the day as Meralco opens its title-retention bid in the PBA Philippine Cup with a come-from-behind win over Converge
MANILA, Philippines – Chris Newsome started the newest edition of the PBA Philippine Cup just like he ended the last one: by hitting the game-winner.
Newsome saved the day as Meralco opened its title-retention bid with a come-from-behind 91-89 win over Converge at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, April 4.
Pouring 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter, Newsome sank a midrange jumper that broke the tie with less than a second left as he reprised his role from the previous All-Filipino finals, where he drained the game-winner that gave the Bolts their first-ever championship.
His heroics allowed Meralco to complete its comeback after the Bolts got buried by as many as 20 points in the first quarter.
Bong Quinto supplied 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 rebounds, while Raymond Almazan registered a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds with 2 blocks as Meralco spread the wealth with five players scoring in twin digits.
Quinto knocked down a triple to pulled the Bolts within a single possession, 86-89, before Newsome took care of business, connecting from long range to knot the score at 89-89 then shaking off the double team of Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston for the winning shot.
Aaron Black and Raymar Jose added 10 points each in the win.
Justin Arana finished with a game-high 23 points on top of 6 rebounds and 2 blocks to pace the FiberXers, who were without injured guard Jordan Heading (back).
Stockton put up 17 points to backstop Arana, while rookie big man Justine Arana tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Earlier, Terrafirma pulled off a confidence-boosting 95-87 win over Phoenix in the conference opener behind veteran guard Terrence Romeo.
Romeo scattered all of his 17 points in the second half as the Dyip, who went 2-20 in the first two conferences this season, started their campaign with promise.
Louie Sangalang delivered 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks for Terrafirma, while Stanley Pringle contributed 17 points and 4 rebounds.
Rookie forward Kai Ballungay saw his 30-point, 15-rebound effort go down the drain as the Fuel Masters absorbed their fifth straight loss dating back to last conference.
The Scores
First game
Terrafirma 95 – Sangalang 21, Pringle 17, Romeo 17, Hernandez 9, Catapusan 9, Melecio 8, Paraiso 6, Nonoy 4, Ramos 4, Zaldivar 0, Hanapi 0.
Phoenix 87 – Ballungay 30, Soyud 11, Salado 9, Tio 9, Alejandro 6, Garcia 4, Camacho 4, Ricero 3, Jazul 3, Manganti 2, Verano 2, Tuffin 2, Daves 2.
Quarters: 21-25, 49-43, 79-59, 95-87.
Second game
Meralco 91 – Newsome 15, Quinto 14, Almazan 13, Black 10, Jose 10, Reyson 8, Caram 6, Rios 5, Torres 3, Hodge 3, Cansino 2, Pascual 2, Bates 0, Pasaol 0.
Converge 89 – Arana 23, Stockton 17, Baltazar 14, Winston 13, Garcia 6, Santos 5, Delos Santos 4, Racal 2, Corpuz 2, Caralipio 2, Nermal 1, Ambohot 0, R. Santos 0, Suerte 0.
Quarters: 22-34, 42-44, 63-66, 91-89.
– Rappler.com
