Chris Newsome and Bong Quinto delivered the goods to steer the streaking Meralco to an 82-74 win over a shorthanded Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Saturday in Panabo, Davao del Norte.
Newsome put together 21 points alongside eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block while Quinto added 16 markers, eight boards, and four dimes as the Bolts cruised to their fourth straight win to improve to 5-1 in Group A.
The win also allowed Meralco to sweep Magnolia, which it also defeated during their season opener last August 18 when the Bolts pulled off a 99-94 escape.
This time, though, the Hotshots were playing without an import with Glenn Robinson III sitting out the game, forcing the locals led by Zav Lucero, Mark Barroca, and Paul Lee to step up.
Lucero churned out a double-double showing of 14 points and 13 rebounds while veteran guards Barroca and Lee chipped in 12 and 11 markers apiece.
Magnolia tried to mount a late rally with Aris Dionisio burying a three-pointer to cut what was once a 13-point deficit to just four, 74-70, with 2:26 left.
But returning Meralco import Allen Durham answered with back-to-back baskets followed by two freebies from Newsome for another double-digit lead en route to the victory.
Scores:
Meralco 82 – Newsome 21, Quinto 16, Durham 15, Banchero 10, Cansino 6, Bates 5, Pascual 4, Mendoza 3, Caram 2, Jose 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0.
Magnolia 74 – Lucero 14, Barroca 12, Lee 11, Balanza 10, Sangalang 9, Abueva 7, Dionisio 7, Laput 2, Ahanmisi 2, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 39-30, 62-49, 82-74.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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