SMART CLARK GIGA CITY--Fueling Meralco's electrifying run, spitfire guard Chris Newsome was hailed as the second PBA Press Corps Player of the Week in the Philippine Cup bubble for the period of October 19-26.
Newsome normed 20.5 points, six rebounds, six assists and 1.5 blocks in the Bolts' big victories over Magnolia and NLEX that pulled them out of a slow start and into the crowded pack in the middle of the standings with a 3-2 record.
The athletic 6-foot-2 cager came through with 23 points, including crucial baskets, in Meralco's 109-104 overtime win against the Hotshots last Tuesday.
Newsome, who also tallied seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks, deflected credit to his teammates in that overtime triumph.
"It was a great team effort. We have a lot of guys hitting big shots," he said.
The 30-year-old guard then posted 18 markers, six boards, six dimes and a block to lead the Bolts' past the Road Warriors, 101-92, last Friday.
Meanwhile, Alaska's rising big man Barkley Eboña seized the PBAPC Rookie of the Week honors.
Learning from the former two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, the 6-foot-6 bruiser unleashed a breakout week, pumping in averages of 17.3 points, four rebounds, 1.3 assists and a block to help the Aces improve to 3-3.
"Nagpapasalamat ako na nandyan siya (Ildefonso) para i-guide ako habang naglalaro," said Eboña.
The No. 4 overall pick from FEU exploded with a career-high 24 points--the highest output so far by a freshman--to go with two rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a 120-82 romp over his former coach Nash Racela and Blackwater.
Eboña was a bright spot with 18 points, five boards, a steal and a block in Alaska's 88-92 defeat to defending champion San Miguel.