The confidence of Filipino-American rookie guard Trevis Jackson has finally picked up.
Jackson, who was the fifth overall pick in the draft early this year, almost won the game for the Meralco Bolts on Tuesday inside the bubble of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena in Angeles, Pampanga.
The 5’11” Jackson scored two charities in the last 15 seconds of regulation to give the Bolts a 94-92 lead in regulation.
But two freebies from Paul Lee in the next play allowed the Magnolia Hotshots to force an overtime.
Staying focused in the extra period, the Bolts went on to post a 109-104 win over Magnolia.
Chris Newsome picked up from where Jackson left off, towing the Bolts as he scored eight points or more and struck with eight of his 23 in the extended time.
“I was looking at his stats. Even though he did not play quality minutes, he’s played as though he’s floating around. And he’s had a chance to turn the game around, especially against a team like Magnolia,” said Bolt coach Norman Black.
Jackson averaged 16 minutes and six points in his last three games.
But, this time, Jackson had 10 points, which he made in the last period.
Last year, Jackson suited up for the Philippines in the FIBA 3×3 Shanghai Challenger.
His good showing impressed Black, who drafted the Sacramento State star in college.
The Bolts have improved their record with their second win in four matches.
The Hotshots fell to 1-3, with Paul Lee coming up with an explosive 32-point game.