FOR the second consecutive game, Meralco Bolts rode on their patented defense to complete the series upset against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98-89, and occupy the last semifinal seat of the PBA Philippine Cup, on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bolts put on a masterful defensive outing that clamped down and weathered each of Rain or Shine’s scoring runs in the decisive Game 2, negating the Elasto Painters’ twice-to-beat advantage.
Veteran guard Chris Newsome once again rose to the occasion, charging the way for Meralco as he filled the stat sheet with a game-high 31 points, with 18 of those coming from the last period, three rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
Chris Banchero also came up huge for the Bolts, delivering a clutch 21-point outing to help Meralco reach its first semifinals after three conferences, including their 2024 Philippine Cup championship campaign.
The Coach Norman Black-headed team made sure to drag Rain or Shine’s offense to a half-court setting, preventing them from capitalizing on their usual fast-paced execution. Bolts slowly picked the usual ball-screen actions, drive-and-kick setup, and consistent paint collapse by Coach Yeng Guiao and his troop, with Meralco’s elite defenders Brandon Bates, Cliff Hodge, and Aaron Black leading the charge.
Adrian Nocum left it all on the court for the Bayan ng ROS, finishing the game with 29 points, including an astounding personal run in the fourth quarter, single-handedly carrying his team’s offense with his drives and three-point baskets that evened things out at 77-all.
With this loss, Rain or Shine snapped their semifinals streak appearance that spanned to four conferences.
The defeat also marked the end of veteran guard Gabe Norwood’s well-decorated PBA career. The 6-foot-5 standout was selected first overall by the Elasto Painters in the 2008 draft. He then went on to play 17 seasons in the league, being a central piece in the franchise’s lone two championships in the PBA. Norwood was also named Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, and was part of the Gilas Pilipinas National team program for over a decade.
The 40-year-old Norwood ended his final game with three points, two rebounds, and three steals for Rain or Shine.