Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome leads his team to PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Meralco arranged a semifinal showdown with sister team TNT after surviving Magnolia with a 113-107 overtime win in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Aaron Black’s buzzer-beating jumper forced an extension after being down seven late in the fourth quarter, Chris Newsome made key baskets before threes by Bong Quinto and import KJ McDaniels enabled the Bolts to weather the hard-fought affair.
“Luckily, there were a lot of guys who were heroes tonight. And that’s what it takes at this time of the [conference], we really have everyone to contribute for us to move up in the playoffs,” said coach Norman Black. “
AARON BLACK BRINGS IT TO OVERTIME! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
With Magnolia leading, 96-94, Aaron Black sinks a buzzer beater to bring the game to overtime, 96-all. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/pgp0FgLRW9
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 22, 2023
The two squads owned by Manny V. Pangilinan open their best-of-five duel on Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City. TNT was the first to advance after dispatching Phoenix in the first game of the twinbill.
Newsome had 33 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals while McDaniels posted 27 points and 10 rebounds for Meralco.
But the Bolts were on the verge of being pushed to a decider when a basket by Hotshots import Antonio Hester made it 96-89 with over three minutes to go in regulation.
Magnolia, however, didn’t score and Meralco came back to force overtime, capped off by Black’s buzzer-beating basket that Hotshots coach Chito Victolero later described as a “Hail Mary.”
Newsome scored 10 in the extra session before the two triples from Quinto and McDaniels broke a 103-all tie that broke Magnolia’s back.
WATCH: Meralco’s Chris Newsome and coach Norman Black after advancing to the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals.
Like coach Jojo Lastimosa earlier, Newsome started his answer with a message for LA Tenorio. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/pWcseI3YwF
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 22, 2023
The scores:
MERALCO 113 — Newsome 33, McDaniels 27, Banchero 16, Black 16, Maliksi 9, Almazan 7, Quinto 3, Hodge 2, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Jose 0.
MAGNOLIA 107 — Lee 22, Hester 21, Barroca 18, Abueva 15, Jalalon 9, Dela Rosa 8, Dionisio 6, Wong 4, Escoto 4, Corpuz 0.
Quarters: 22-21, 47-49, 76-78, 96-96 (Reg), 113-107 (OT).