Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome during a PBA Philippine Cup game against Blackwater Bossing. –PBA IMAGES
ANTIPOLO—Meralco bucked the absence of Cliff Hodge due to suspension and took down Blackwater, 103-85, to snap a two-game skid in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Ynares Center here.
Chris Newsome scored nine of his team-high 19 points in the first quarter while CJ Cansino added 14, including seven in the fourth quarter, as the Bolts tightened their grip on eighth spot with a 4-5 record.
READ: PBA: Cliff Hodge fined, suspended for foul on Zavier Lucero
The win, where Meralco led by a high of 22, came despite the absence of Hodge, who served his one-game suspension for his dangerous foul on Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero during last week’s contest.
Hodge has since apologized for the incident that also resulted in a P100,000 fine.
Meralco gained some momentum going into the final two games of the eliminations against NLEX and Barangay Ginebra.
READ: PBA: Meralco nips Converge on Chris Newsome’s game-winner
The Bolts play the red-hot Road Warriors on Sunday before facing the Gin Kings on May 30, then will head to Dubai as the league’s representative for the Basketball Champions League Asia.
Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome during a PBA Philippine Cup feted joining the 5,000 points club. –PBA IMAGES
Newsome also added seven rebounds and three assists on the night, he was also recognized for becoming the 99th player in PBA history to score 5,000 career points. The Meralco star did the trick against Magnolia.
Blackwater lost its third in a row to fall 1-5 for a share of 10th place with NorthPort.
Christian David had 24 points and 10 rebounds while Sedrick Barefield added 23 for the struggling Bossing.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
The Bossing’s next match is Friday against Barangay Ginebra at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
