Meralco beats NLEX, Blackwater; Newsome player of week

Defending champion Meralco halted NLEX's six-game winning streak with a 108-92 victory and followed up with a 103-85 win over Blackwater, putting them back on track in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Chris Newsome led Meralco with 21 points, five assists, and two steals against NLEX, contributing to their second-half surge that secured the win.

Newsome also scored 19 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in the victory over Blackwater, sharing the load despite the absence of suspended Cliff Hodge.

The twin victories improved Meralco's record to 5-5, creating momentum ahead of their elimination round finale against Barangay Ginebra on May 30.

Newsome earned the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week honors for his stellar performance in back-to-back wins and becoming a member of the PBA's 5,000-point scorer club.