PBA: Meralco enters BCL Asia with high morale after stunner vs Ginebra

Chris Newsome led the way for Meralco as it clinched a spot in the quarterfinals. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Meralco finished its PBA Philippine Cup elimination round campaign on a high note after stunning Ginebra, 82-73, on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Bolts were steady in the second half as they gradually took control of the game after a tight first half that ended in a 37-all tie.

Adding to the second-half frustrations of the Gin Kings, head coach Tim Cone was ejected from the game after storming inside the court to complain about how the referees let the Bolts switch inbounders late into the game.

Chris Newsome led Meralco, which clinched an outright quarterfinal berth with the win that moved them up to 6-5, with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Chris Banchero added 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

The team now shifts its focus on the upcoming Basketball Champions League Asia next month.

Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo each scored 16 points, while Japeth Aguilar added 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal for Ginebra, which fell to a three-way tie with TNT and Rain or Shine at 5-3.

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