Bolts 95, Hotshots 94

Meralco Bolts staged a big comeback and put up a determined chase from 13 down in the last two minutes and pulled off a steal, stunning Magnolia, 95-94, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the DHVSU last 1 September.

Chris Newsome scored on a make-or-break drive in the closing seconds, capping the Bolts' stirring come-from-behind triumph to move up to second place behind the TNT Tropang Giga (4-0) with a 5-1 win-loss slate.

Relaxing too early, the Hotshots paid dearly, suffering a first loss and dropping down to third place at 4-1.

Mac Belo, Alvin Pasaol and Newsome joined forces to turn the game around in the last two minutes, disappointing the Magnolia side that took control more than three-fourths of the way.

The game had appeared to be in the bag for the Hotshots as they led by 13 at 93-80 on two free throws by Ian Sangalang.

But the Bolts refused to give up, applying the pressure on defense and going to Belo, Pasaol and Newsome on the offensive end to score the stunner.

Belo led all scorers with 22 points, including the last of his three treys that sparked Meralco's winning 15-1 endgame run.

Pasaol made his lone bucket in their late salvo, helping preserve the double-digit productions of Belo, Cliff Hodge (18 points and 11 rebounds), Reynel Hugnatan (15 markers), Newsome (14) and Allein Maliksi (11).

It was a heartbreaker for the Hotshots, especially to Paul Lee and Calvin Abueva with their big numbers that went for naught.

Lee paced the Hotshots with 21 points while Abueva had his own double-double with 18 markers and 14 boards.

Magnolia held sway almost throughout, seizing control early on the strong start provided by the combination of Lee, Abueva, Sangalang, Mark Barroca and Rome dela Rosa.

These Magnolia starters clobbered their Meralco counterparts, 36-9, in the first half, with Lee and Abueva combining for 29.

Lee knocked in four-of-seven treys and a total of 16 points while Abueva piled up 13 markers and 10 boards as Magnolia took the half at 50-39.

But the Bolts refused to yield and were amply rewarded in the end.