Chris Newsome vs Jerrick Ahanmisi. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco survived a furious comeback from Magnolia and escaped with a 91-86 win in Game 3 of their 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday semifinals series at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts now trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Leading 75-54 at the start of the fourth, the Bolts saw that lead dissipate as the Hotshots cut it to three, 89-86, with half a minute remaining as Rafi Reavis capped off a 32-14 run.
Chris Newsome then managed to hit the dagger for Meralco converting on a jumper with around six seconds remaining in the fourth.
“There was no tomorrow for us and this was a must-win for us so give credit to all the players,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black. “We had a good-sized lead that we lost again, but the guys were able to hold on to the victory.”
“What I saw was we got a little fatigued and our defense suffered a bit in that quarter. I just told the guys that we were still ahead and that we have to stabilize ourselves.”
Newsome led the Bolts with 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists while John Pinto pitched in 16 points and five boards.
Paul Lee had a game-high 18 points to lead the Hotshots while Ian Sangalang added 15 points and seven rebounds.
Game 4 is on Sunday where the Bolts have a chance to level the series.