Newsome leads balanced attack as Meralco routs Alaska

The Meralco Bolts had six players in double figures as they pummeled the Alaska Aces, 89-74, for a share of the second spot in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Chris Newsome led his squad with 18 points, while Jared Dillinger and Baser Amer chipped in 17 apiece. Import Arinze Onuaku tallied 14 with 23 rebounds, while KG Canaleta and Ranidel De Ocampo combined for 21 off the bench.

Ahead by just one at the half, the Bolts leaned on a 32-17 third quarter for a 73-57 edge heading into the final turn. In the fourth, another dry spell for the Aces stretched Meralco’s lead to 19 points at the 6:34 mark.

Alaska never really threatened from then on, only managing to cut the lead down to 13 heading into the final two minutes, but baskets from Ranidel De Ocampo and Chris Newsome were enough to put the game away.

The Bolts shot a decent 43 percent from the field while allowing Alaska a low 38 percent clip. The big difference came in the three-point category, where the Bolts connected for 14 triples as the Aces struggled for just four. 

Antonio Campbell paced Alaska with 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Vic Manuel hit 22 off the bench, but the two had little help, as only Chris Banchero recorded double figures with 13 points aside from the two. Jaycee Casio went 2 of 8 for five points, while Kevin Racal was 0 of 5.

With the win, Meralco tied Alaska for second place at 7-2, right behind league leaders Rain or Shine (8-1). — DVM, GMA News