Seventh-seed Meralco Bolts completed a stirring escape act, overturning a twice-to-win disadvantage to snare the final semifinal berth in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
After opening the series with a convincing 96–79 victory, Meralco sealed the job with a 98–89 follow-up win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, ending the storied PBA career of longtime Rain or Shine captain Gabe Norwood in the process.
Chris Newsome delivered when it mattered most, erupting for a game-high 31 points highlighted by clutch baskets down the stretch. His poise anchored a composed Bolts finish as they claimed the fourth and final spot in the semifinals, joining San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra, and TNT Tropang 5G.
Meralco mirrored Ginebra’s recent feat of surviving a twice-to-win challenge—done just a night earlier against Converge FiberXers—and in doing so booked a best-of-seven semifinal duel with TNT. The other semifinal pairing features San Miguel Beer against Barangay Ginebra, with both series tipping off on January 4.
Chris Banchero backed up Newsome with 21 points, while CJ Cansino and Bong Quinto chipped in 14 and 11, respectively, as the Bolts gradually seized control after trailing by six early and dictated the tempo by halftime.
The Elasto Painters fought to extend their run to a fifth straight semifinal appearance but struggled without sidelined big men Keith Datu and Beau Belga. After the final buzzer, Meralco players lingered to pay tribute to Norwood, who bowed out after 18 seasons with Rain or Shine.
“I wanted to end the journey with a championship, but kudos to Meralco on their great effort in this game,” Norwood said. Grateful to the franchise that stood by him throughout his career, he added, “They took me as a son.”