PBA: Meralco repeats over Magnolia in Panabo battle

Chris Newsome paced the Bolts against the Shabazz Muhammad-less Hotshots. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI--Meralco completed a 2-0 elimination round sweep of Magnolia in the PBA Governors' Cup with an 82-74 win in their Saturday night game at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Sports, and Cultural Center.

Newsome led the Bolts, who are back on top of Group A with a 5-1 record, with 21 points on 7-of-12 field goals, eight rebounds, and three assists.

His biggest impact, though, was when he fished a foul from Paul Lee while taking a three with 40.2 seconds left, leading to two free throws that helped ice the game.

Bong Quinto added 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Allen Durham had 15 markers, 15 boards, and two dimes.

Zav Lucero put up 14 points, 13 rebounds, and one assist for the Hotshots, who felt the surprise absence of new import Shabazz Muhammad as they fell to 3-3.

Muhammad, who is supposed to make his PBA return after two years, failed to secure the needed letter of clearance from FIBA that would have allowed him to play for the Purefoods franchise.

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