Rashawn McCarthy finally ended his personal slump.
The fiery spitfire unloaded a season-high 30 points and eight rebounds and hit key baskets down the stretch to tow Columbian to a hard-fought 86-85 squeaker over Meralco in a win that ended its three-game slide in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
McCarthy’s left elbow triple with 2:29 remaining capped a key 7-0 run that gave the Dyip a critical 86-80 advantage heading into the twilight zone.
Chris Newsome scored five straight points, from two free throws and a triple, in the final minute to pull the Bolts within a single point, 85-86.
Meralco actually had the ball with a chance to win with 14 seconds remaining. However, its play went awry as Baser Amer’s last-second potential game-winning three didn’t find its mark, allowing Columbian to escape.
After scoring in single-digits the last time out, McCarthy, who fired six triples on a 50-percent shooting clip, came through to lead the Dyip to the much-needed victory.
“The coaches gave me the confidence and trust to lead the team. I’m glad I was able to bounce back,” said McCarthy.
Columbian improved to 3-4 to move up to eighth place, while Meralco slipped to ninth with its 2-4 mark.
The Bolts were actually the team which got going early, opening up a 15-point cushion, 26-11, just seconds into the second quarter.
Not to bend, the Dyip fought its way back and finished the first half burly to get itself back in the game.
Columbian outscored Meralco, 31-19, right after to pull to within just three, 42-45, at the half, setting up a nip-and-tuck exchange in the second half.
The scores:
Columbian 86—McCarthy 30, Khobuntin 14, Camson 10, Perez 8, Cahilig 6, Corpuz 6, Escoto 4, Celda 3, Faundo 3, Calvo 2, Agovida 0.
Meralco 85—Newsome 17, Hodge 14, De Ocampo 14, Amer 10, Salva 8, Quinto 7, Pinto 5, Canaleta 5, Tolomia 3, Hugnatan 2, Faundo 0, Jackson 0.
Quarters: 11-24, 42-45, 66-66, 86-85
