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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Newsome takes charge as Meralco averts collapse vs Blackwater

Newsome takes charge as Meralco averts collapse vs Blackwater

Published Oct 15, 2025 07:42 pm

At A Glance

  • Meralco averted a huge collapse and survived a furious second half rally from Blackwater, 105-96 to finally pick up its first win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Chris Newsome scores eight of his team-high 22 points in the payoff period. (PBA Images)
Chris Newsome scores eight of his team-high 22 points in the payoff period. (PBA Images)

Meralco averted a huge collapse and survived a furious second half rally from Blackwater, 105-96 to finally pick up its first win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday, Oct. 15.

The Bolts led by as many as 24 points in the first half but still had to lean on the heroics of Chris Newsome, Allein Maliksi and Aaron Black in the payoff period to restore their footing and grab their first win in three games so far.

Newsome kept Meralco in control even in the face of the furious Blackwater rally that saw the Bossing get too close for the Bolts’ comfort, 84-81, late in the third frame.

The veteran playmaker took over in the final frame, spearheading an 11-0 run that restored order for Meralco, 95-81with 4:37 left in the game.

Newsome had eight of his team-high 22 points in the payoff period while Cliff Hodge added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Allein Maliksi and Brandon Bates finished with 13 points apiece as Raymond Almazan and Aaron Black chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, in a balanced Meralco attack.

The win spoiled an explosive first game for Sedrick Barefield, who fired 34 points built on seven triples. 

RK Ilagan also came alive in the second half, firing 10 of his 22 points in the third frame when the Bossing rallied back into the game after trailing, 65-41 early in the third.

Their efforts, however, weren’t enough as Christian David and rookie Dalph Panopio combined for a 3-of-16 shooting for the now 1-1 Blackwater.

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