Meralco silences Ginebra to begin QF series

Chris Newsome's all-around game got the better of Scottie Thompson's 29-point explosion. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—Meralco played one of its best head-to-head performances in its budding rivalry against Ginebra with a 93-82 win to open their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal series on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Bolts spoiled an explosion from reigning Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson as they took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three series.

Meralco sizzled offensively to start the game, scoring 32 in the first quarter, before turning to its defense in the next two quarters to open an 80-62 cushion entering the fourth, where Ginebra somehow showed that they can bounce back with a bang come Game 2 on Friday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Aaron Black matched his career-high with 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting alongside three rebounds and four assists for the Bolts.

Chris Newsome added 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Thompson finished with 29 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and three steals for the Gin Kings.

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