Meralco refused to go down in defiance with Magnolia taking a 10-point lead as Trevis Jackson scored 10 points during the fourth quarter.

Rookie Aaron Black had 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while veteran forward Reynel Hugnatan added 11 markers.

The game was tied in 94 with 13 seconds left in the shot clock after Paul Lee’s two free throw shots and Newsome’s blunder to grab the chance to win in regulation as Meralco’s final possession went nowhere leading to an overtime play.

“…I told the players during the time in between the quarters that hey, we’re in overtime. We still have a chance to win the game, so let’s go out and win,” said Head Coach of Meralco, Norman Black.

However, Newsome was able atoned and redeemed the lost chance as he gave Meralco the lead for good when he drilled a three-pointer with 2:11 remaining to play for a 102-100 lead.

Moreover, he gunned the Bolts with his score of nine out of 15 points during the overtime, including the fadeaway jumper from the baseline with 10.2 seconds left that gave Meralco a 107-104 lead.

“The guys played very, very well in the overtime period,” Coach Black affirmed.

While Raymond Almazan knocked down the insurance charities with 1.1 ticks left, Meralco bounced back from a huge loss to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in their previous assignment to rise to the middle of the standings.

Meanwhile, Lee posted a game-high 32 points for the Hotshots, who missed the services of Ian Sangalang and Rome Dela Rosa. 

The scores: 

Meralco 109 – Newsome 23, Black 16, Hodge 12, Jackson 11, Quinto 8, Almazan 8, Maliksi 8, Jamito 8, Pinto 4, Amer 1, Caram 0. 

Magnolia 104 – Lee 32, Barroca 17, Banchero 13, Corpuz 12, Melton 6, Reavis 4, Pascual 4, Dionisio 3, Calisaan 0. 

Quarters: 19-25; 46-46; 67-73; 94-94; 109-104.