FILE–Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome. He helped the team win its opening assignment in the EASL. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Chris Newsome turned on his “Gilas Pilipinas” form when Meralco faced off against foreign foe Macau Black Bears in the season opener of the 2024 East Asia Super League at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Bolts subdued the Black Bears, 97-85, behind the efforts of Newsome who led Meralco past overseas opponents.
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His level of play earned praise from Macau coach Garrett Kelly, who said they were already laser-focused on Newsome even before the start of the game.
“He was one of the main guys that jumped out from our film,” said Kelly of Newsome.
“On Newsome, we did a scouting on him… Typically, we would help off or clog off the lane but with Newsome, you have to be at arms length because he’s a deadly shooter.”
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Newsome led the Bolts on offense with a game-high 18 points with six assists, three rebounds and three steals to give Meralco a rousing season-opening victory in the regional competition.
Kelly’s preparations for Newsome’s ‘deadly shooting’ proved insufficient as the 2024 Philippine Cup Finals MVP sank seven of his 13 tries from the field for an efficient 53.85 percent shooting clip with four buckets from deep as a cherry on top.
“He’s [Newsome] very sturdy and holds you off to get to the post… He got to his pull-ups and knocked those down. He was all over our scouting report. He got loose a few times and made us pay,” Kelly said.
Newsome, meanwhile, acknowledged the praises that went his way after the Bolts’ electrifying win in the EASL.
READ: PBA: Chris Newsome repays Meralco ‘faith’ with title-clinching shot
While the Ateneo product respected the well remarks, he said all he was worried about was his performance and how to help his squad get the one-up over the Black Bears.
“It is an honor to have that type of respect and to know that I am a priority to some,” said Newsome.
“I understand that a lot of defensive schemes are geared to make it more difficult for me so as a professional, I have to work on things in order to counter their scouting report,” he added.
Newsome also emphasized that he doesn’t care much about his points as long as he completes his central objective of helping his team win.
“I’m not really a scorer in a sense that I have to put up 20 points per game. I’m perfectly okay with scoring five and playing hard-nosed defense. All that matters is getting the win.”
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Newsome and the Bolts came off a disheartening 0-3 sweep at the hands of Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.