The Meralco Bolts leaned on the firepower of explosive guards Aaron Black and Chris Newsome to lead them past the Rain or Shine E-Painters, 77-73, in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Down one in the final stanza, Black and Newsome gave the Bolts the spark they needed in a game-turning 10-0 run that put them in front, 67-58, with a little over six minutes remaining in the ballgame.
Rain or Shine kept within striking distance and were within three, 70-73, after a basket by big man Beau Belga. However, Black dashed the E-Painters’ hopes with a huge triple that put them up, 76-70, with just 39 seconds left.
The win was a morale-booster for Meralco, which lost its previous two assignments. They now stand at 4-3. The team is currently missing head coach Norman Black, who flew to the United States to tend to his sick mother. In his place, Luigi Trillo took over head coaching duties.
“Our prayers for coach Norman. He is going through a tough time. He means a lot to our team. He means a lot to me too. Been together with the team here,” said Trillo.
“Just proud of everyone. It’s been eight years. The players were vocal. We talked before the game. We did a good job just helping each other,” Trillo added.
Aaron Black paced Meralco with 20 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Allein Maliksi fired in 19.
Cliff Hodge produced 13 points and eight rebounds, while Raymond Almazan had a huge double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds to go with four blocks.
Gabe Norwood led Rain or Shine with 13 points, nine boards, and three assists. The E-Painters, though, continue to spiral down after losing their sixth game in a row.