Chris Banchero of Meralco looks to make a play against three Magnolia defenders
PBA photo
Meralco assumes solo lead
MERALCO Bolts are back on top of Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
With Chris Newsome providing the spark, the Bolts outplayed import-less Magnolia Chicken Timplados, 82-74, in an out-of-town game at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Sports, and Cultural Center last Saturday.
Newsome finished with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting on top of eight rebounds and three assists for the Bolts, who regained the solo lead with a 5-1 win-loss record.
Newsome’s finest moment came with 40.2 seconds left when he drew a foul from Paul Lee on a three-point attempt, converting two free throws to seal the win.
Bong Quinto added 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while three-time Best Import awardee Allen Durham contributed a double-double with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and two assists.
Chris Banchero chipped in 10 points.
With the win, Meralco completed a two-game sweep of Magnolia in the double round-robin group play.
The Bolts also beat the Hotshots in their first-round meeting on opening night, 99-94, with the Hotshots’ original import Glenn Robinson III still on board.
Zav Lucero led the Hotshots with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and one assist, followed by Mark Barroca with 12 points and Paul Lee with 11 points.
Jerrick Balanza had 10 markers.
But the absence of new import Shabazz Muhammad caught them off guard as the Hotshots dropped to 3-3 record.
Muhammad reportedly failed to secure a FIBA transfer.
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.
Quarterscores: 19-14, 39-30, 62-49, 82-74.
Games Tuesday:
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m.– Phoenix vs. Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. — Blackwater vs. Ginebra
