Meralco finally notched its first win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, thanks in part to Chris Newsome, who made some key baskets in the fourth period.
Chris Newsome had not been his usual self as far as offensive production was concerned in Meralco’s last two games.
Newsome normed 10.5 points, drilling in just six of his 21 total attempts from the field as the Bolts faltered to Titan Ultra and Rain or Shine.
That changed Wednesday night, Oct. 15.
Newsome made his presence felt, topscoring for 22 points to power the Bolts to a 105-96 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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The Fil-American was Meralco's stabilizer in the face of a furious Bossing uprising in the fourth period.
He dropped six points in an 11-0 run that hiked his team's lead back to double digits, after Blackwater came within 81-84.
“Two losses, it’s tough. But, I think, it’s more about the mental state, keeping everybody in the right mental frame. So, in that way, we can continue to take those losses and learn from them,” said Newsome during the post-game press conference.
Newsome, Meralco overcome Sedrick Barefield
Cliff Hodge backed up Newsome with 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Allein Maliksi and Brandon Bates scored 13 each.
Raymond Almazan added 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists for the Bolts, who led by 51-33 at halftime.
Chris Newsome guards Sedrick Barefield, who erupts with 34 points in his first game with Blackwater in PBA Season 50. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
After a dismal first two quarters, the Bossing suddenly came alive behind Sedrick Barefield and RK Ilagan.
Barefield and Ilagan combined for 32 points in the second half as Blackwater posed a threat.
Their efforts, though, ultimately went for naught.
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In his first game of the season, Barefield exploded with 34 points to go with two rebounds, two assists and two steals without a single turnover.
Ilagan added 22 including two four-pointers.
Meralco vs Blackwater Scores:
MERALCO 105 – Newsome 21, Hodge 14, Bates 13, Maliksi 13, Almazan 12, Black 11, Quinto 7, Cansino 6, Jose 5, Caram 2, Pascual 0, Banchero 0
BLACKWATER 96– Barefield 34, Ilagan 22, Tratter 11, David 7, Mendoza 4, Guinto 4, Jopia 4, Andrade 3, Murrell 2, Panopio 2, Escoto 0, Dumont 0
Quarterscores: 29-24, 61-39, 84-74, 105-96
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.