The Meralco Bolts, led by Chris Newsome and Raymund Almazan, demolished the undermanned Magnolia Timplados Hotshots, 74-51, on Sunday for their second straight win in the 48th Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Newsome and Almazan tallied 12 points apiece for the Bolts, who improved their win-loss record to 5-5.
Chris Banchero added 11 points for the Bolts, who kept their quarterfinal hopes intact, as they now share the no. 6 position with Rain or Shine, and Terrafirma Dyip.
The absence of injured players Jio Jalalon and Calvin Abueva, both nursing knee injuries took, showed its effects on the Hotshots right from the start.
Newsome shot six points in the first period, as the Bolts quickly took charge, 21-14.
After limiting the Hotshots to seven points in the second period, the Bolts went on to take control of their game with their 35-21 halftime lead.
“It was a bit of two things. In the first half, 21 points lang sila. And we played good defense,” said Bolts’ coach Luigi Trillo.
With setback, the Magnolia’s point production of 51 became their lowest in franchise history.
The Bolts’ defense also limited James Laput, Aries Dionisio and Paul Lee to six points each.