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Tag: PBA

  • Chris Newsome stays in the fight as Meralco faces do-or-die without star guard 

    Chris Newsome stays in the fight as Meralco faces do-or-die without star guard 

    Chris Newsome’s jersey never touched the floor in Game 4, but his voice never left the huddle.

     

    Sidelined by an MCL injury, the Meralco star was forced to watch as the Bolts absorbed a 102–83 loss to TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. Yet even in street clothes, Newsome remained deeply involved, turning the bench into his temporary command post as Meralco tried to navigate life without one of its emotional and tactical anchors.

     

    “He’s still here. In spirit, huddles, he always talks to us. He tells us what to do. While he’s physically not on the court, he still talks to us for us to play well,” Brandon Bates said at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

     

    That presence mattered, even as the result didn’t go Meralco’s way.

     

    With Newsome unavailable, the Bolts leaned on balance scoring. Chris Banchero led the way with 19 points, CJ Cansino followed with 17, and Cliff Hodge matched that output while adding eight rebounds. The effort, however, wasn’t enough to stop TNT from taking a commanding 3–1 series lead.

     

     

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    “Obviously, when you lose one of your main guys, it’s always going to be difficult but you have to have that next man up mentality.” 

     

    For Raymond Almazan, Newsome’s value extends far beyond what shows up on the stat sheet.

     

    “He’s our leader, not just on the court but off it as well,” Almazan said. “These things happen, so somebody has to step up. We’re down 3-1, but this series isn’t over yet. We still believe we can push it to Game 7.”

     

    Almazan finished with seven points and seven rebounds, a modest line that reflected a team still searching for answers while refusing to fold.

     

    Now facing elimination, Meralco turns its focus to Game 5 on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum. Whether or not Newsome can return remains uncertain, but one thing is already clear: even sidelined, he remains central to how the Bolts fight to keep their season alive.

     

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  • “Walang trade”: Dennis Pineda clears the air on Alec Stockton’s future with Converge

    “Walang trade”: Dennis Pineda clears the air on Alec Stockton’s future with Converge

    The Converge FiberXers enjoyed a respectable run in the ongoing 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, reaching the quarterfinals and showing flashes of their potential as one of the league’s rising squads. However, their campaign came to an abrupt and painful end after a heartbreaking loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—despite carrying a twice-to-beat advantage.

     

    Converge’s quarterfinal exit was punctuated by a dramatic finish that continues to be discussed by fans and analysts. With the FiberXers holding a slim lead late in their do-or-die matchup, guard Alec Stockton committed a crucial foul on Ginebra’s Jeremiah Gray, who was attempting a three-pointer. Gray calmly sank all three free throws, forcing the game into overtime, where Ginebra eventually pulled away and secured the win.

     

    Following the defeat, speculation quickly emerged regarding Stockton’s future with the franchise, with some questioning whether the late-game blunder might trigger roster changes. However, Converge head coach Dennis Pineda moved to silence trade rumors during an appearance on Snow Badua’s “No Cooking Show” podcast, addressing the situation head-on.

     

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    “Walang trade. Naeepektuhan ang mga players at naapektuhan ang samahan ng team,” Pineda said, making it clear that the organization has no plans to move Stockton and emphasizing the importance of maintaining team chemistry and morale.

    Despite the disappointment, Pineda expressed pride in his squad’s overall performance throughout the Philippine Cup. Converge—one of the younger teams in the league—finished fourth in the eliminations with an impressive 7–4 win-loss record. Their competitive showing against top-tier opponents highlighted the group’s growth and potential moving forward.

     

    “Nakita ko ang attitude ng team, wala pong sumuko. Di n’yo nakita na nag-give up ang team, determinado na manalo. Mga bagito, pero nakapag-bigay po kami ng saya. Maganda ang Game Two vs. Barangay Ginebra,” he added, commending his players for their resilience and fighting spirit even in the toughest moments.

     

    Pineda, who previously served as Governor of Pampanga from 2013 to 2019, also addressed another lingering topic: the status of Dave Ildefonso, whose potential move to Converge has been widely discussed. The coach confirmed that Ildefonso will honor his existing contract with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) before any formal transfer can take place.

     

    “I need to respect ‘yung kontrata n’ya with Abra,” Pineda concluded, reinforcing the team’s commitment to professionalism and transparent dealings with players and partner organizations.

     

     

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  • “We know Meralco will come back really hard”: Inside Chot Reyes’ mindset ahead of Game 5

    “We know Meralco will come back really hard”: Inside Chot Reyes’ mindset ahead of Game 5

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved to within a single victory of clinching a coveted berth in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102–83, in a commanding Game 4 performance on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With the win, TNT seized a 3–1 advantage in the best-of-seven semifinal showdown, placing enormous pressure on a Meralco squad now desperately seeking answers.

     

    Poy Erram delivered what was arguably his most dominant outing of the conference, spearheading TNT’s interior attack with 27 points on a hyper-efficient 9-of-11 clip. The veteran big man added nine rebounds and two assists, imposing his presence on both ends of the floor and setting the tone early. His energy and aggressiveness helped the Tropang Giga establish control from the opening quarter, forcing Meralco into difficult looks and limiting their ability to generate momentum.

     

    Complementing Erram’s strong performance were Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana, who chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively. Their perimeter scoring provided TNT with the offensive balance needed to keep the Bolts scrambling defensively throughout the night. With multiple players stepping up amid the team’s injury setbacks, TNT executed with precision and composure, refusing to allow Meralco any significant run.

     

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    Despite holding a significant series lead and appearing to gain rhythm at the most crucial stretch of the playoffs, TNT head coach Chot Reyes cautioned against overconfidence. He emphasized that the Tropang Giga are preparing for Meralco’s urgency and intensity in the upcoming matchup.

    “We have no illusions that this is going to be an easy series. We know Meralco will come back really hard. After the last game, when we lost the series and the series was 2-1, we already expected that it would be tough,” Reyes said in a media interaction.

     

    Reyes’ concern is amplified by TNT’s ongoing injury woes. The team continues to navigate the absence of several key contributors, including Roger Pogoy (hamstring), Rey Nambatac (ankle), and Kelly Williams (illness). Pogoy’s condition is particularly troubling for the Tropang Giga, with indications that the sharpshooter may miss the remainder of the semifinal series should it extend to a full seven games.

     

    “Hopefully, Rey heals and recovers, same thing with Roger. So right now, our focus is rest. As coaches, it’s our job to anticipate whatever adjustments they make for the next game,” Reyes added, underscoring the need for strategic preparation and internal adjustments.

     

    With manpower concerns and the Bolts expected to push back with urgency in an elimination scenario, Reyes has called on his remaining rotation to elevate their efforts both physically and mentally. He reiterated that the team must maintain discipline and avoid any hint of complacency heading into the potentially series-clinching encounter.

     

    “We need to be ready for a huge battle in Game 5. We just have to continue figuring things out. It’s now up to the others to fill that void,” Reyes concluded.

     

    TNT will now look to capitalize on the opportunity to close out the series when the semifinal duel resumes on Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. A win would send the Tropang Giga back to the Philippine Cup Finals and keep their championship aspirations firmly within reach, while a Meralco victory would shift momentum and extend what has already been an intense and physically demanding series.

     

     

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  • PBA issues ₱20,000 fine after Converge ‘cooking’ gesture in Ginebra quartefinals loss

    PBA issues ₱20,000 fine after Converge ‘cooking’ gesture in Ginebra quartefinals loss

    What should have been remembered purely for a dramatic finish instead carried added consequences for Converge, as the PBA Commissioner’s Office handed down fines following a heated quarterfinal exit at the hands of Barangay Ginebra.

     

    Assistant coach Humperdink Dimatulac and players Justine Baltazar and Mark Denver Omega were each fined ₱20,000 for making a “cooking” gesture during their do-or-die knockout game against the Gin Kings, an act the league deemed inappropriate and unsportsmanlike.

     

    The incident unfolded at the height of tension, with Dimatulac and Baltazar visibly performing the gesture in open view of fans, expressing frustration over officiating calls as the FiberXers struggled to protect their twice-to-beat edge. 

     

    Omega, meanwhile, was caught doing the same motion from the bench, despite not having logged a single game for Converge since being acquired via trade from Rain or Shine following the NCAA season.

     

    All three were summoned by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial on Monday, where they acknowledged their actions and issued apologies.

     

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    “Lahat naman sila nag-sorry, nadala sila sa emosyon. Sabi ko, wag na uulitin lalo na ‘yung assistant coach na wag na (provoke) ‘yung mga fans,” Marcial said.

     

    The league’s response underscored its continued emphasis on professionalism, especially during high-pressure games where emotions often run high and gestures can quickly inflame both crowds and online discourse.

     

    The fines came on the heels of a heartbreaking end to Converge’s campaign. Despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage, the FiberXers were eliminated after Stephen Holt drilled an overtime buzzer-beater to lift Ginebra to a 99–98 victory.

     

    Instead of advancing to the semifinals, Converge was left reflecting not only on a missed opportunity but also on a costly lapse in composure—one that turned a single gesture into a league reminder that emotions, no matter how intense, must still stay within bounds.

     

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  • Legendary or Humble? Scottie Thompson downplays career-best performance

    Legendary or Humble? Scottie Thompson downplays career-best performance

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum but also showcased the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a performance for the ages.

     

    Thompson erupted for a career-high 35 points, while adding 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering the Gin Kings to a comfortable win. His triple-double was a display of offensive dominance, but it also highlighted his all-around contributions—facilitating teammates, creating opportunities, and anchoring Ginebra’s defense.

     

    Significantly, Thompson’s feat marked the first time since the early 1990s that a local Filipino player scored more than 30 points in a triple-double game. The last to achieve this rare milestone was Alaska rookie—and current Ginebra assistant coach—Johnny Abarrientos, who accomplished it in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference. Thompson’s performance thus cemented itself as a historic moment in PBA history.

     

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    Despite making history, Thompson remained humble, crediting teamwork and timing for his standout night.

     

    “Luckily, it was a good night for me. We just fought hard and battled every quarter. We found our rhythm as a team, and that’s what is most important. We lifted each other and stayed together,” Thompson said in the postgame press conference.

    “Every game is different, but our approach and intensity remain the same,” he added.

     

    However, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone didn’t hold back in praising Thompson’s effort, calling it “legendary.”

     

    “It was a legendary performance. I think we are going to remember this for a very long time. There is no doubt it was legendary. He was more aggressive tonight, and that made him more of a threat, which opened up passing lanes for him,” Cone said.

     

    Thompson’s dominance allowed Ginebra to control the pace of the game, while the team’s defense stifled San Miguel’s key scorers, keeping the Beermen from closing the gap. Beyond Thompson, supporting players stepped up in critical moments, showing the depth and resilience of the Gin Kings roster.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied 2-2, all eyes turn to the pivotal Game 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14. The winner will seize momentum heading into the latter half of the series, making Thompson’s form and Ginebra’s collective effort all the more vital.

     

    If Game 4 proved anything, it’s that Barangay Ginebra possesses the talent, cohesion, and star power to rise to the occasion. With Thompson leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the next chapter of this storied PBA rivalry.

     

     

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  • Phoenix turns the page as Willy Wilson’s one-conference run comes to an end

    Phoenix turns the page as Willy Wilson’s one-conference run comes to an end

    Change has come swiftly for the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

     

    Willy Wilson’s tenure as head coach ended as quickly as it began, with the former PBA standout not renewed following Phoenix’s 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup campaign, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. What was envisioned as a new chapter instead became a brief stopover—one conference that served more as an evaluation period than a long-term partnership.

     

    A team insider shared that Phoenix management is still in the process of assessing the rest of the coaching staff, signaling that the changes may not stop with Wilson’s departure.

     

    Wilson was appointed head coach during the offseason, taking over from Jamike Jarin, who transitioned into the role of team consultant. 

     

    The move was meant to inject a different voice and perspective into the Fuel Masters’ program, with Wilson bringing both professional playing experience and years of coaching exposure to the bench.

     

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    In his lone conference at the helm, Phoenix struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 3–8 record and placing 10th overall. While the results fell short, Wilson’s time with the team coincided with a period of adjustment, as the Fuel Masters continued to search for a stable identity amid roster and system changes.

     

    Before joining Phoenix, Wilson quietly built a solid coaching résumé in the local basketball scene. A former PBA pro himself, he paid his dues in the collegiate and developmental ranks, earning respect as a detail-oriented coach known for emphasizing fundamentals, player accountability, and defensive discipline. 

     

    His background made him an intriguing choice for a Phoenix squad aiming to develop talent while remaining competitive.

     

    Now, the Fuel Masters appear set to pivot again.

     

    Sources indicate that Phoenix is turning its attention to the collegiate ranks in search of its next head coach, a move that suggests the franchise is prioritizing long-term program building and player development.

     

    The Fuel Masters are scheduled to open their year with their first team practice on January 19, a date that could also mark the start of another transition phase. With the season approaching, Phoenix faces familiar questions—about leadership, direction, and stability—as it once again reshapes its coaching blueprint.

     

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson named PBA Player of the Week for January 4 to 11

    Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson named PBA Player of the Week for January 4 to 11

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum but also showcased the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance for the ages.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, complemented by 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering the Gin Kings to a comfortable victory. His triple-double display was not only a dominant offensive show but also highlighted his all-around contributions in facilitating teammates and anchoring the team’s defense.

     

    Thompson’s feat is the first time since the early 1990s that a local Filipino player has scored more than 30 points in a triple-double game. The last to achieve the rare milestone was Alaska rookie—and current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach—Johnny Abarrientos, who accomplished it in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference, cementing Thompson’s performance as a historic moment in PBA history.

     

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    For his exceptional showing, Thompson earned the PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week honors for the period of January 4 to 11, averaging 20.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game during the week. He edged out notable rivals including San Miguel Beermen’s Don Trollano, TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram, earning unanimous recognition from the scribes covering Asia’s oldest professional basketball league.

    “I think we fought hard, we battled every quarter. Luckily, I think it’s just a good night for me. Yung rhythm namin as a team is important especially on the defensive end and that’s the main key. Overall, we got the W and lucky for me. We lifted up each other, we helped each other and we stayed through ups and downs,” Thompson reflected after the win, emphasizing the importance of teamwork alongside his personal brilliance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone heaped praise on Thompson, calling his display a “legendary performance” and underscoring the guard’s humility despite the historic feat.

     

    “It was a legendary performance. I think we are going to remember this one for a long time. Scottie is the most humble guy you would meet, maybe outside of June Mar Fajardo. No doubt it’s a legendary performance. I think he came out and he was more aggressive tonight. He was looking for things and the more he became a threat, the more he was able to open the lanes and make passes as well,” Cone said.

     

    Thompson’s dominance allowed Ginebra to control the pace of the game, while the team’s defense limited the Beermen’s key scorers, preventing San Miguel from closing the gap. Alongside Thompson, supporting players stepped up at crucial moments, showing the depth and resilience of the Gin Kings roster.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied 2-2, all eyes turn to the pivotal Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner of the next game will seize momentum heading into the latter half of the series, making Thompson’s form and Ginebra’s collective effort all the more critical.

     

    If Game 4 proved anything, it is that Barangay Ginebra has the talent, cohesion, and star power to rise to the occasion. With Thompson leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the next chapter of this storied rivalry.

     

     

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  • Vic Manuel’s Converge chapter closes quickly, but doors open elsewhere

    Vic Manuel’s Converge chapter closes quickly, but doors open elsewhere

    Vic Manuel’s time with Converge may have been short, but it was enough to stir conversations far beyond the FiberXers’ locker room.

     

    After his month-long contract expired on Monday, the veteran forward officially parted ways with Converge, closing a brief chapter that came late in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations. 

     

    Manuel will not be renewing his deal and is instead set to suit up for the Zamboanga Valientes, who are bound for the Dubai Invitational Basketball Championship later this month in the United Arab Emirates.

     

    Despite the limited run, Manuel made sure to acknowledge the opportunity given to him by the franchise. In a social media post, he expressed appreciation to the team that brought him in during a crucial stretch of the season.

     

    “Thank you Converge. Short term, but it means a lot to me,” Manuel wrote on Facebook.
     “Good luck fam. See you around.”

     

    The farewell, however, quickly turned into speculation. Fans flooded the comment section with suggestions for where the 38-year-old big man could land next once his overseas stint wraps up. Two destinations stood out: Barangay Ginebra and Titan Ultra.

     

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    Supporters of Titan Ultra see a natural fit, pointing to Manuel’s potential reunion with close friend and team star Calvin Abueva. Others, particularly Ginebra fans, believe the “Muscle Man” still has enough left to be a reliable interior presence—one who could complement the Kings’ veteran frontline of Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario.

     

    There’s history behind that idea. Manuel previously played under Ginebra head coach Tim Cone during Gilas Pilipinas’ successful gold-medal run in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, a campaign that showcased his willingness to embrace a defined role within a disciplined system.

     

    Adding another layer to the discussion is recent memory. It was Ginebra that ended Converge’s All-Filipino Cup run, eliminating the FiberXers in the quarterfinals, capped by a dramatic do-or-die overtime win, 99-98. Manuel was part of that short-lived Converge squad that came up just short of a semifinals berth.

     

    Statistically, his impact with the FiberXers was modest—averaging 4.0 points and 1.6 rebounds across three games—but the conversation surrounding his future suggests his value isn’t measured purely by numbers.

     

    For now, Manuel’s focus shifts to Dubai and an international stage. Beyond that, his swift exit from Converge has only reinforced one thing: even brief stints can reopen long-standing debates about where a seasoned veteran still belongs in the PBA landscape.

     

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  • “Reminds me of Jimmy Butler”: Jayson David earns high praise from Tim Cone

    “Reminds me of Jimmy Butler”: Jayson David earns high praise from Tim Cone

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel bounced back in emphatic fashion to knot its best-of-seven semifinal series against long-time rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Star point guard Scottie Thompson delivered a performance for the ages, exploding for a career-high 35 points alongside 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering Ginebra to a comfortable win.

     

    While Thompson stole the spotlight, head coach Tim Cone also highlighted the contributions of wingman Jayson David, who provided a crucial spark off the bench. David finished with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists in roughly 27 minutes, posting a game-high plus-minus of +22.

     

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    Cone shared that David’s style of play has long reminded him of NBA and Golden State Warriors superstar Jimmy Butler.

    “I had a short conversation with Jayson before the game. I just told him that he has got to let the game come to him a little bit. Sometimes he gets so excited and plays a little bit beyond himself. But when he allows the game to come to him, he is so dynamic,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    “I always tell him that he reminds me of Jimmy Butler. And the kind of game he plays. He is wide-bodied. Can play bigger than he is. And very versatile, so he has always reminded me of Jimmy way back when. But now he’s getting an opportunity to show that at this point,” he added.

     

    David has steadily earned a vital role for Ginebra this conference, averaging 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game across four semifinal outings.

     

    “He is not as good as Jimmy Butler. But relative to our league, he plays a very similar game. Similar type game,” Cone concluded.

     

    For his part, David downplayed the praise, saying he is simply focused on helping the team win.

    “Wala naman nang pressure yung ganoon. Kumbaga, pinuri niya ako, e di thank you. Gusto ko lang talaga makatulong sa team namin. Yun lang, gusto ko lang ibigay ko yung best ko. Kumbaga andito na ako, sayang punta,” David said.

     

    With the series now tied at 2-2, the pivotal Game 5 is set for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Meralco suffers major blow as Chris Newsome will miss Game 5 due to MCL sprain

    Meralco suffers major blow as Chris Newsome will miss Game 5 due to MCL sprain

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved one win away from securing a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory gave TNT a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Central to TNT’s win was Poy Erram, who delivered his strongest performance of the conference, anchoring the Tropang Giga with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also adding nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 15 and 14 points, respectively, helping TNT seize control early and maintain it throughout the game.

     

    Meralco, meanwhile, struggled without their star player and captain Chris Newsome, who missed the game due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain on his left knee. Newsome confirmed he will also miss Game 5.

     

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    “Right now it’s just going through the recovery process, taking the precautions I need to do for me to be able to get back on the court. So listening to the team doctors and the team physicians and just taking it one step at a time till I am able to get back on the court,” Newsome told reporters.

     

    The 35-year-old guard added that he expects to be sidelined for at least three to five weeks, depending on how his injury heals.

     

    “There is a possibility it could be shorter, depending on the severity of the sprain. Right now we are just waiting for the inflammation to go down a bit. And I will be able to clear things up to where we have a better timeline for my return.

    “Game 5 that will be a tough one to try to reach. But it does help that we have an extra day between the game. So, I will be doing my share of recovery work from now until Wednesday so I can get out on the court. But it’s already a good sign I am able to work and stand on my own,” he added.

     

    Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo also confirmed Newsome’s status, noting that the situation “doesn’t look too good.”

     

    “You know, the MRI showed that it’s clear. But at this point, I think his priority has to be his health. We will see. So, I don’t see him playing the next game also. If ever, it might be next week,” Trillo said.

     

    Despite the injury setback, both Newsome and Trillo remain confident that Meralco can stage a comeback in the semifinal series.

     

    “It’s gonna take a complete team effort to try to get this, to try to turn this thing around. But again, it’s not impossible. It’s just gonna be really tough. We just gotta take it one possession at a time, one game at a time,” Newsome said.

     

    “We have to be better. It’s not over. We have to just focus on that next Wednesday game. We have to do things better,” Trillo added.

     

    Meralco will look to bounce back in Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, hoping to extend the series and keep their Finals hopes alive.

     

     

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