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Chris Newsome of the Meralco Bolts led his team to the semifinals of the PBA Governor’s Cup. – PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines—Last conference, Meralco missed the playoffs due to the absence of star player Chris Newsome.
Newsome used it as motivation to power the Bolts into the semifinals of the PBA Governors Cup after defeating Magnolia, 113-107, at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
“I missed all the last conference. It’s difficult just to be on the sidelines, watching and just being a vocal leader. Of course, it’s a feeling that we don’t like or enjoy. I think that makes us more hungry this season,” said the Ateneo product.
“Now, I just go in and go back to one hundred percent to contribute to the team.”
Newsome finished with center-like numbers of 33 points and 11 rebounds to go along with seven assists and two steals despite being a wing player for Meralco.
Newsome can score more or score more if he wants to. However, if he wants the Bolts to advance to the next round, the 6-foot-2 will have to do something outside of his usual arsenal.
Seeing KJ McDaniels and Cliff Hodge clobbered inside urged Newsome to do a little more than what was necessary for him as a guard.
“I think you all know, I’m not about stats. I’m not about scoring or assists or rebounds, nothing like that. What I do is what the team needs. Tonight, the bigs had their hands full, so the The guard has to contribute on the spot so that’s what the team needs today,” said the 32-year-old.
McDaniels still came away with his own double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds but Hodge, who recently reached the milestone of PBA history with 1,000 offensive rebounds, was limited to only three boards in the victory.
When the Bolts set up a date with TNT in the semifinals after Tropang Giga eliminated Phoenix earlier, 132-105, Newsome chose to relive the last conference struggle to fuel another final run under coach Norman Black.
“Nobody likes watching a team from the sidelines, especially when you need them in a big game and they’re trying to make the playoffs, but now it’s here,” said the Gilas cadet.
“We’ve got another shot, everyone is healthy and hopefully, everyone stays like that in the next series to make a run in the Finals.”
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