Newsome explodes as Meralco keeps NLEX winless

Newsome went for a season-high 30 points. PBA Media Bureau
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Chris Newsome delivered a solid game to lift Meralco over lowly NLEX, 106-90, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.

However, it was the Bolts's defense on the Road Warriors in the first quarter that made the difference as the latter is still looking for the elusive first win in the mid-season conference.

Meralco limited NLEX to just 12 points in the first quarter while opening a lead as high as 24 later in the match and never looking back.

Newsome went 12-of-17 from the field for 30 points with seven rebounds, one assist, and one block, while Arinze Onuaku and Mike Tolomia each tallied 15 markers for Meralco.

Arnett Moultrie made 25 points, 17 boards, five assists, two blocks, and four steals for NLEX, which fell to 0-3.

Kiefer Ravena, who came off the bench, engaged in a late shootout with Newsome and finished with 21 markers with 10 dimes, and three caroms.

Box Scores:

Meralco 106-Newsome 30, Onuaku 15, Tolomia 15, Amer 10, Dillinger 10, Caram 10, Hodge 7, Canaleta 5, Baracael 4, Hugnatan 0, Ballesteros 0

NLEX 90-Moultrie 25, Ravena 21, Quinahan 18, Mallari 10, Baguio 6, Tiongson 5, Fonacier 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Ighalo 1, Monfort 0, Soyud 0, Taulava 0, Miranda 0, Buenafe 0

Quarterscores: 24-12, 53-35, 83-66, 106-90

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