Meralco erased a seven-point deficit late in the regulation and exploded behind the arc in the extra period to turn back Magnolia, 113-107, and clinch the last semifinal berth in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night, March 22.

Meralco's KJ McDaniels tries to get past a Magnolia defender. (PBA Images)

Wanting to take a short route to the next round despite a twice-to-beat edge, the Bolts did not waste time and leaned on Black and Chris Newsome in the crunch to eliminate the Hotshots and advance to the best-of-five semis.

A three-point play from KJ McDaniels with 1:17 left in the regulation ignited Meralco’s assault by trimming their deficit to 96-92 before a Chris Banchero floater and a buzzer-beating jumper from Black forged the game into overtime.

Then it was Newsome’s turn to step on the gas in the extra period, draining 10 of his 33 points to set up the semis date with the top-seeded TNT Tropang Giga.

“It’s a big win for us, just what I expected: another tough game against Magnolia,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“Luckily for us tonight, we got a lot of guys that were heroes that are led by Newsome, and that’s what it takes at this time of the season. You really have to have everybody to contribute if you want to move on to the playoffs,” he added.

Aside from shooting 11-of-20 from the field highlighted by five treys, Newsome also collared 11 rebounds and dished off seven assists.

Equally impressive was KJ McDaniels, who scored 27 points and grabbed 10 boards, as well as Black, who fired 16 points and hauled 12 rebounds.

Banchero added 16 points spiked by four triples.

Paul Lee and Antonio Hester finished with 22 and 21 points in a failed cause for Magnolia.