MANILA — The Meralco Bolts have finally ended their 14-year championship drought, securing their first-ever PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup title dramatically.
In a thrilling encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, the Bolts edged out the San Miguel Beermen, 80-78, thanks to a clutch game-winner from Chris Newsome.
The Bolts displayed immense determination and tenacity, leading the game for over 47 minutes. However, with just 3.3 seconds left, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo sank a miraculous three-pointer to tie the game, setting up a nail-biting finish.
Newsome, who had struggled throughout the game with a 3-of-16 shooting performance, rose to the occasion and nailed a decisive fall-away shot over defender Don Trollano, securing Meralco’s long-awaited victory.
Newsome, a key player for Gilas Pilipinas, finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. His pivotal contributions throughout the series, particularly in Games One, Three, and Four, earned him the Finals MVP award.
In a show of humility, Newsome shared the accolade with his teammates, acknowledging their collective effort in overcoming the formidable Beermen and thwarting their pursuit of a season sweep.
The victory not only broke San Miguel’s bid for an 11-game sweep in the eliminations but also marked Meralco’s first Philippine Cup finals win.
Coach Luigi Trillo and his team celebrated the long-awaited achievement, with significant contributions from players like Allein Maliksi, Chris Banchero, Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan, Brandon Bates, and Cliff Hodge.
San Miguel, led by Coach Jorge Gallent, was aiming for a season double after winning the Commissioner’s Cup against the Magnolia Hotshots. However, their aspirations were dashed by a resilient Meralco team that was determined to claim their date with destiny.
The Bolts’ journey to the title was a testament to their perseverance and hard work. After a heartbreaking 0-4 record in previous Governors’ Cup finals against Barangay Ginebra, the Bolts came out strong in Game Five, narrowly escaping with a 92-88 victory.
They continued their momentum into Game Six, starting with a commanding 29-18 lead in the first quarter and extending their advantage to as much as 17 points in the first half.
Despite a late-game surge from Fajardo, who scored five points in the final 29 seconds, including the game-tying three-pointer, Meralco’s resilience prevailed.
Newsome, a veteran of Meralco’s past finals heartbreaks, delivered the biggest shot of his career, propelling the Bolts to a long-awaited championship and sending their fans into jubilation.
The Meralco Bolts’ triumph over the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup finals represents a significant milestone in the team’s history, bringing an end to years of struggle and disappointment.
(el Amigo/mnm)
