PBA Semi Party Bolts Outlast Hotshots in Overtime Thriller PBA Governors' Cup 2023
On Wednesday night, basketball fans were treated to a thrilling game between Meralco and Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Both teams came out strong, but Magnolia took an early lead, ending the first quarter with a one-point advantage. The second quarter saw Meralco fighting hard to catch up, but Magnolia maintained their lead and ended the first half with two-point information, 47-49.
The third quarter was a tight battle, with both teams trading baskets, and neither could pull away. Magnolia held on to their lead, ending the third quarter with two-point information, 76-78. As the fourth quarter began, Meralco knew they had to step up their game to stay alive in the tournament.
In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Magnolia was leading 96-92 and looked like they would win the game. However, Mark Barroca was called for an illegal pick, which started Magnolia’s downfall. Meralco took advantage of the situation and tied the game at 96-all with a short jumper from Chris Banchero. With just seconds left on the clock, Aaron Black found a slight opening and made a tough jumper that sent the game into overtime.
The overtime period was intense, with both teams giving it their all. Meralco took the lead thanks to three successive three-pointers from Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, and KJ McDaniels. Newsome was particularly impressive in overtime, scoring nine of his 33 points in the extra period, including the last of his five three-point bombs that touched off the Bolts’ killer assault. Quinto, who had not yet scored in the game, made a crucial three-pointer to break a 103-all deadlock. Then McDaniels drilled in his own triple, and the Bolts separated, eventually sending them to a Final Four showdown with the Tropang Giga.
The final score was 113-107 in favor of Meralco. Magnolia’s bid to force a rubber match was unsuccessful, and they were knocked out of the tournament. Meralco will now face TNT Tropang Giga in the semi-finals, while Barangay Ginebra will take on San Miguel Beer in the other semi-final game.
