Banchero-Newsome backcourt shines as Meralco takes 2-1 series lead vs Magnolia

The backcourt duo of Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome took over as Meralco ripped Magnolia, 101-95, to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series in the PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday.

Import Tony Bishop dropped a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four steals and two assists.

Newsome finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists while Banchero finally found his groove after carving out 23 markers, five assists, and four boards as they moved a win away from booking the finals ticket.

Leading by 10 halfway through the fourth quarter, 95-85, the Bolts got a scare as the Hotshots ignited for a 7-0 run led by a triple from Jio Jalalon for a 95-92 spread.

But the Bolts held on, countering with a 6-3 run highlighted by a crucial basket from Newsome.

Magnolia had the advantage at the end of the first half, 50-46, with the Hotshots banking on a 31-point explosion in the second quarter.

Magnolia was led by reinforcement Mike Harris who had a solid outing of 24 points, 17 rebounds, and a block while Ian Sangalang listed 14 markers.

Meralco will try to finish off the series and upset the top seed Magnolia when they face in Game 4 on Friday, April 1, at 3 p.m.

The scores:

Meralco  101 – Bishop 27, Banchero 23, Newsome 16, Quinto 10, Maliksi 10, Almazan 6, Hodge 4, Baclao 3, Black 2, Belo 0, Caram 0.

Magnolia  95 – Harris 24, Barroca 15, Sangalang 14, Jalalon 13, Abueva 8, Wong 7, Dela Rosa 7, Lee 5, Reavis 2.

Quarters: 24-19, 46-50, 76-72, 101-95.

—JMB, GMA News