Bolts thwart Hotshots to avoid 0-3 hole in PBA semis

MANILA, Philippines — The Meralco Bolts stymied a fourth quarter comeback from the Magnolia Hotshots to take a breakthrough 91-86 win in Game Three of their best-of-seven Philippine Cup semifinals series at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Chris Newsome converted on a dagger jumpshot to increase Meralco's lead to five with six ticks left in the clock after the Hotshots clawed back from 21 points down.

The Bolts thus avoided a 0-3 hole and decreased the series deficit to one game, 1-2.

Newsome's jumper gave Meralco just enough breathing room after they were outscored by the Hotshots in the final quarter, 32-18.

Calvin Abueva airballed a 3-pointer in the next posession to doom Magnolia's hopes of a come-from-behind win.

Meralco scored 26 points against Magnolia's 17 in the third quarter to blow the game wide open for the former, which were already up double digits at halftime.

Newsome top-scored for the Bolts with 17 points. He also had four rebounds and four assists.

Nards Pinto added 16 points, while Mac Belo also contributed from the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Meanwhile, Paul Lee paced the Hotshots efforts with 18 points, while Ian Sangalang notched 15 markers and grabbed seven boards.

Game Four is on Sunday.