PBA Finals: Newsome, Merlaco deliver own dagger in Game 3

PBA Finals: Chris Newsome, Merlaco deliver own dagger in Game 3

/ 09:47 PM June 09, 2024

Chris Newsome Meralco Bolts beat San Miguel Beermen Game 3 PBA Philippine Cup Finals

Chris Newsome and the Meralco Bolts after beating the San Miguel Beermen in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco defeated San Miguel in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals in familiar fashion on Sunday night.

With the game on the line, Chris Newsome drilled a go-ahead triple from the corner with 34 seconds to go that turned out to be the dagger in the Bolts’ 93-89 escape for a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven title series.

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“To be honest,  I wasn’t thinking. I was just being in the moment,” said Newsome.

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“It felt good that my shot did fall but at the end of the day, you can’t let your guard down until it [the clock] says 0:00.”

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco escapes San Miguel for 2-1 series edge

Newsome’s shot was reminiscent of Marcio Lassiter’s 3-pointer with 13 ticks remaining that capped the Beermen’s late rally in the final 30 seconds of Game 2.

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Newsome finished with 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. He came alive in the second half, where he fired 20 points.

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Despite his heroics that include a pair of free throws to seal the game, the 30-year-old swingman put more emphasis on playing smarter especially down the stretch.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

“It’s about staying present and focusing on possessions at hand. I hate turning the ball and having those mental lapses,” said Newsome, who committed a turnover with a minute left that led to a couple of freebies by June Mar Fajardo for an 89-88 San Miguel lead.

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“Those are things I could look at after the game and I can’t let that affect me in the next play. My team’s counting on me to be strong for them and to be a leader for them.”

Fortunately for Newsome, he was able to redeem himself in a major way and win it for Meralco.

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TAGS: Chris Newsome, Meralco Bolts, PBA Philippine Cup

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