MANILA, Philippines – Shabazz Muhammad’s PBA return got delayed, so Meralco jumped on the opportunity.
Keeping control throughout the game, the Bolts warded off the import-less Magnolia Hotshots, 82-74, for the second straight time in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Saturday, September 7, at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Sports, and Cultural Center in Davao del Norte.
The win propelled Meralco back on top of Group A with a 5-1 record, while the Hotshots, whose all-Filipino squad missed the services of new import Muhammad, dropped to 3-3.
Muhammad arrived in Panabo in the morning of the game but was relegated to just a benchwarmer as he still awaits his FIBA Letter of Clearance (LOC).
Meralco also had to deal with an undermanned crew once more as Allein Maliksi (knee), Aaron Black (knee), Cliff Hodge (back), Raymond Almazan (knee), and Norbert Torres (illness) remained out in the game.
But Chris Newsome took charge, leading Meralco with 21 points on 7-of-12 field goals, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Bong Quinto added 16 markers, including a baseline layup in the final minute, which ended the Hotshots’ late rally.
Before Quinto’s basket, Meralco import Allen Durham scored on an inside look to keep Magnolia at bay after the Bolts saw their 13-point lead shrink to four, 74-70, in the fourth quarter.
Newsome and Chris Banchero, who tallied 10 markers, then drilled the finishing free throws to seal the out-of-town win.
Durham finished the game with 15 points and 15 rebounds, making the most of Magnolia’s import-less lineup.
Zavier Lucero took charge for Magnolia with 14 points and 13 rebounds to help out veterans Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, who had 12 and 11 markers, respectively.
It was the second face-off for both teams this conference, after playing in the season-opening game last August 18, when the Hotshots were still with import Glenn Robinson III.
Muhammad, the 14th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, last played for the San Miguel Beermen two years ago. He was remembered for his 57-point, 19-rebound game versus, coincidentally, the Bolts.
The six-year NBA veteran averaged 35.3 points, 18 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks in four games during his initial PBA run.
Meralco will return to action on Thursday, September 12, against fellow top-seeded TNT Tropang Giga at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Magnolia will face Terrafirma Dyip on the same date.
The Scores
Meralco 82 – Newsome 21, Quinto 16, Durham 15, Banchero 10, Cansino 6, Bates 5, Pascual 4, Mendoza 3, Caram 2, Jose 0, Rios 0, Pasaol 0.
Magnolia 74 – Lucero 14, Barroca 12, Lee 11, Balanza 10, Sangalang 9, Abueva 7, Dionisio 7, Laput 2, Ahanmisi 2, Dela Rosa 0, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.
Quarters 19-14, 39-30, 62-49, 82-74.
– Rappler.com