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| Chris Newsome began Meralco's title defense with how he gave them the chip itself. PBA Images |
MANILA--Meralco ended its wait for a PBA championship with a Chris Newsome jumper.
On Friday night, the team began its title defense with another Newsome dagger.
The six-foot-two combo guard once again showed why he is among the league's top clutch guys right now as he buried another midrange game winner as the Bolts completed a comeback to beat the Converge FiberXers, 91-89, to begin their PBA Philippine Cup championship retention bid on a high note at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Newsome converted a stop-and-pop jumpshot from just around the free throw line area with 0.8 seconds left that broke a 89-all tie.
Alec Stockton tried to force overtime with a jumper of his own, but Aaron Black's help defense was just enough to force an airball as time ran out on Converge.
Newsome led Meralco with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while Bong Quinto added 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Justin Arana put up 23 points, six rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal, while Balti Baltazar added 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Converge, which blew an early 20-point lead.
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