Meralco escapes Magnolia in OT to complete semis cast

The Meralco Bolts escaped the Magnolia Hotshots in overtime, 113-107, in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots were up 96-89 before the Bolts made a 7-0 run capped by an Aaron Black jumper to force the game into overtime.

The teams were tied at 103 with 1:47 left before a Bong Quinto triple gave the Bolts enough breathing room heading into the final minute.

Meralco import KJ Mcdaniels followed with another triple to widen their lead before the Bolts eventually took control in extra time and got the final slot in the semis, along with TNT, Barangay Ginebra, and San Miguel Beer.

Chris Newsome posted 33 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Mcdaniels had 27 points and 10 rebounds in the escape. Black and Chris Banchero added 16 points apiece.

Paul Lee made 22 while import Antonio Hester had 21 points in the Magnolia loss.

Meralco will face TNT in the best-of-five semis which will start on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. In the other bracket, Barangay Ginebra will go against the San Miguel Beermen.

The scores:

Meralco 113 – Newsome 33, McDaniels 27, Banchero 16, Black 16, Maliksi 9, Almazan 7, Quinto 3, Hodge 2, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Jose 0.

Magnolia 107 – Lee 22, Hester 21, Barroca 18, Abueva 15, Jalalon 9, Dela Rosa 8, Dionisio 6, Wong 4, Escoto 4, Corpuz 0.

Quarters: 22-21, 47-49, 76-78, 96-96, 113-107.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News