ONE of the PBA’s finest defensive players showed his ability to score, too.
Meralco guard Chris Newsome became the latest member of the 5,000-point club which he achieved during the Bolts’ Philippine Cup game against Magnolia last week.
The feat came with 5:53 left in the game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, which unfortunately Meralco lost, 117-92.
He had a 14-point total after the game to exactly breach the 5,000-point barrier.
The 34-year-old Newsome, a two-time member of the All-Defensive team and regarded as one of the top backcourt defenders in the PBA today, was recognized with his career achievement Wednesday during halftime of the Meralco-Blackwater game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Also a Gilas Pilipinas player, Newsome was awarded with a especially-crafted plaque by Commissioner Willie Marcial and governors Atty. Bill Pamintuan (Meralco) and Siliman Sy (Blackwater).
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Newsome is the 99th player to reach the milestone, 94th among locals, and the 14th active player.
He is the fifth player in Meralco franchise to achieve the mark after Mark Cardona, Mike Cortez, Nino Canaleta, and Reynel Hugnatan.
Against Blackwater in a 103-85 win, Newsome finished with a team-high 19 markers to bring his total career points to 5,019.
Meralco, the reigning All-Filipino champion, improved to a 4-5 record and ended a two-game skid.
