Rappler
Newsome hits another winner as Meralco frustrates Converge to start title defense
Chris Newsome hit a game-winning jumper with 0.8 seconds left, securing a 91-89 victory for defending champion Meralco over Converge in their PBA Philippine Cup opener.
The Meralco Bolts completed a comeback after trailing by as much as 20 points in the first quarter.
Newsome, who had 11 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter, also contributed six rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
Raymond Almazan added 13 points and 12 rebounds for Meralco, who played without injured players Chris Banchero and Allein Maliksi.
Bong Quinto contributed 14 points and six boards, while Aaron Black and Raymar Jose added 10 points each.
Justin Arana led Converge with 23 points, supported by Alec Stockton's 17 points and Justine Baltazar's 14 points and 10 rebounds.
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The Meralco Bolts achieved their largest winning margin in franchise history, defeating the TerraFirma Dyip 118-80.
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Defending champions Meralco begin their PBA Philippine Cup title defense against Converge on Friday, April 4, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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Bong Quinto has been named the first PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week for the season-ending conference, leading the Meralco Bolts to two dominant wins.
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Converge secured their first victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, defeating Phoenix 92-83 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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Magnolia secured their second consecutive victory in the PBA Philippine Cup by defeating Converge, 83-71.
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