In retrospect, Chris Newsome would still try to hit the ball off the glass on that final attempt Friday night.
Only next time, he would bank it in a more gentle manner that could have had a different result.
Newsome failed to convert a last-second alleyoop off a well-designed sideline out of bounds play in Meralco’s heartbreaking 81-79 loss to Magnolia in 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
“It was a great play just a bad miss, but I gotta move on,” said Newsome while shaking his head.
READ: PBA: Macklin lifts Magnolia past Meralco in farewell game
“Just more focus on putting it with a softer touch off the glass. That’s what I know for next time.”
Asked if dunking home the lob pass from KG Canaleta would’ve been the best shot selection on that particular play, the high-flying guard doesn’t think so.
“Not necessarily. That would’ve been hard for me to dunk. My momentum carried me backwards,” said Newsome, who finished with 15 points, five rebounds and seven assists.
The 27-year-old Newsome said the team works on “situational plays” during practice and that particular alleyoop play was part of those.
“We go through situational plays in practice and that’s one of them. It was a great play. Coach Norman had great intentions on that one and I just didn’t fall through but it’s one of those things that you live and learn.”
The Hotshots dodged a bullet following Newsome’s miss and while they worked their way back from a seven-point deficit, 79-72, with under two minutes left, coach Chito Victolero admitted his team wouldn’t have escaped without having a stroke of luck.
“Newsome would’ve made that nine times out of 10. That was probably the one time he couldn’t make it. We got lucky.”