Meralco nips Converge on Chris Newsome’s game-winner

Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Chris Newsome scored a game-winning shot with less than a second left as Meralco overcame an early deficit to defeat Converge, 91-89, Friday to open its title defense in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Newsome faked two defenders before knocking down the jumper from the free-throw line as the Bolts prevailed over the FiberXers after spending most of the contest catching up with the FiberXers.

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He actually made the last five points during an incredible closeout that saw Meralco win despite trailing 89-83 with over two minutes to go.

Converge tried to force overtime, but Alec Stockton’s hurried shot from the corner was off as time expired.

The Finals Most Valuable Player of last season’s all-Filipino, Newsome wound up with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Bolts while Quinto added 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Meralco also got a big contribution from center Raymond Almazan on both ends with 13 points and 12 rebounds while defending Converge’s frontline duo of Justin Arana and rookie Justine Baltazar.

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Arana had 23 points, six rebounds and two blocks for the FiberXers, who had a busy lead-up to the conference with Pampanga governor Delta Pineda taking the role of lead assistant to coach Franco Atienza following the departure of Charles Tiu.

But Converge played minus rookie guard Jordan Heading, who is still nursing a back injury dating back to the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal loss to Rain or Shine.

Stockton posted 17 points even as Baltazar added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the FiberXers.

Converge actually had a fast start and led by 20 before Meralco slowly chipped away at the deficit before halftime.