PBA: Meralco takes 2-1 series lead vs San Miguel

Meralco took a 2-1 series lead in the PBA Philippine Cup finals after winning against San Miguel, 93-89, in Game 3 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen were leading 89-88 with less than a minute remaining in the game before Chris Newsome delivered what eventually became the dagger triple for the Bolts.

After San Miguel's timeout, CJ Perez missed his layup then a foul on Newsome brought him to the line where he sank two free throws to give the Bolts a comfortable margin.

As San Miguel tried to steal the game, Marcio Lassiter attempted two baskets, the first being a triple, but both missed. Chris Ross also had a 3-point attempt but it failed as the final buzzer rang and handed the series lead to Meralco.

Newsome had 26 points with four rebounds and four assists, while Raymond Almazan registered a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Bong Quinto had 16 points, while Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge had 10 points apiece.

Mo Tautuaa, meanwhile, had 19 points for San Miguel, while CJ Perez had 18 points. June Mar Fajardo was limited to 12 points but grabbed 15 rebounds.

Game 4 of the Finals will be played on Wednesday.

Scores:

Meralco 93 – Newsome 26, Almazan 17, Quinto 16, banchero 10, Hodge 10, Maliksi 8, Torres 2, Pascual 2, Bates 2, Rios 0, Caram 0.

San Miguel 89 – Tautuaa 19, Perez 18, Lassiter 12, Fajardo 12, Trollano 11, Teng 10, Cruz 7, Ross 0, Brondial 0, Enciso 0.

Quarters: 28-24, 48-46, 71-70, 93-89.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News