PBA: Meralco completes upset act vs. Rain or Shine to catch last PH Cup semis bus

Chris Newsome led the Meralco Bolts to a 98-89 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a do-or-die PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal, eliminating the second-seeded team despite its twice-to-beat advantage. Newsome scored 31 points, including 16 of Meralco's final 21 points, to secure the win and advance his team to the semifinals against TNT.

Meralco controlled most of the game, with Chris Banchero and CJ Cansino contributing in the first half for a 43-37 lead. Rain or Shine rallied in the second half behind Adrian Nocum, Gian Mamuyac, and Jhonard Clarito, tying the game at 77 in the fourth quarter. However, Newsome took over in the clutch, scoring key baskets and free throws to seal the victory.

The loss ended the PBA career of Rain or Shine's longtime player Gabe Norwood, who had announced his retirement. For Meralco, Banchero added 21 points, while Cansino had 14 points and eight rebounds before fouling out. Nocum led Rain or Shine with 29 points, and Mamuyac scored 20 points in the losing effort.