Chris Newsome’s clutch jumper, assisted by Chris Banchero, with just 1.3 seconds left on the clock, propelled the Meralco Bolts to an exhilarating 80-78 victory over the San Miguel Beermen, clinching their first-ever Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup title.
Newsome’s game-winning shot not only ended their long wait for a PBA Philippine Cup title in dramatic fashion but also made him truly deserving of the Finals MVP honors.
As confetti rained down and the Bolts celebrated their historic triumph at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, it marked a significant milestone after five attempts to capture the elusive crown.
Standing at 6’2″, Newsome led the Bolts with 15 points, complemented by five rebounds and four assists. Junemar Fajardo, the Best Player of the Conference, delivered an impressive performance for the Beermen, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
However, despite Fajardo’s efforts, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the game at 78 with 3.3 seconds remaining, the Beermen had to settle for their 16th runner-up finish in 45 finals appearances.
Fajardo, who scored six points in the fourth quarter, almost turned the tide for the Beermen, overcoming a screen from Newsome to hit his lone triple. The Beermen had been battling back from a 12-point deficit, trailing 61-73 in the final period.
“We did it,” exclaimed Bolts coach Luigi Trillo, expressing his gratitude to Meralco executives, including Manny V. Pangilinan, for their unwavering support. The Bolts wrapped up the series with a 4-2 lead, redeeming themselves from their last Philippine Cup finals appearance in 2021, where they fell 2-4 to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.
The Beermen, who trailed by as much as 17 points early in the game, managed to level the score at 49-all early in the third quarter, thanks to contributions from Perez and Fajardo. However, the Bolts’ trio of Quinto, Newsome, and Banchero orchestrated relentless attacks, maintaining a 63-58 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Earlier in the game, Caram’s two three-pointers capped an 11-3 run for the Bolts in the first period, extending their 18-15 lead to 29-18 in the last 13 seconds. Banchero, who scored eight points in the first 12 minutes, boosted the Bolts to a 9-4 advantage with his floater at the 8:20 mark of the first quarter.
The Bolts’ sharp shooting from beyond the arc in the first half, hitting six of 16 attempts, contrasted with the Beermen’s struggles, converting only one of 10. This outside accuracy helped Meralco build their largest lead at 17 points, 46-29, with 3:40 left in the second period, following two free throws by Maliksi.
San Miguel’s Lassiter, contributing seven points including a three-point play at the 1:37 mark, alongside Fajardo, spearheaded a rally that brought the Beermen within seven points, 47-40, at halftime. Despite their valiant effort, the Beermen could not overcome the Bolts’ resilience and tactical prowess.
