Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
Chris Newsome had a stellar night and delivered Meralco a 106-90 victory over NLEX Friday in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The athletic swingman uncorked 30 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-17 shooting that went with eight rebounds to lead the Bolts to the bounce back victory to improve to 2-1.
Mike Tolomia also was solid off the bench with 15 points and four boards, while import Arinze Onuaku registered a double-double with his 15 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Meralco zoomed ahead in the first half, establishing the 53-35 halftime lead that ballooned to 24, 64-40, early in the third quarter.
“I thought we were able to focus on our defense, especially in the first half. Overall, our defense was very solid,” said coach Norman Black as the Bolts frustrated the Road Warriors to shoot 33-percent in the first two periods.
Arnett Moultrie got 25 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and four steals to lead NLEX, while Kiefer Ravena went for 21 points and 10 assists.
Their efforts, however, weren’t enough to stop the Road Warriors’ skid to fall deeper in the cellar at 0-3.
The Scores:
MERALCO 106 — Newsome 30, Onuaku 15, Tolomia 15, Amer 10, Caram 10, Dillinger 10, Hodge 7, Canaleta 5, Baracael 4, Ballesteros 0, Hugnatan 0.
NLEX 90 — Moultrie 25, Ravena 21, Quiñahan 18, Mallari 10, Baguio 6, Tiongson 5, Al-Hussaini 2, Fonacier 2, Ighalo 1, Buenafe 0, Miranda 0, Monfort 0, Soyud 0, Taulava 0.
Quarters: 24-12, 53-35, 83-66, 106-90.