Meralco's Chris Newsome in action against Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals, May 16, 2026 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. PBA Media
MANILA -- Meralco is headed to the semifinals of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup after escaping with a 105-102 overtime win against Magnolia, Saturday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Bolts needed their twice-to-beat advantage and had to survive a sensational effort from Magnolia's Jerom Lastimosa in their do-or-die quarterfinal game in order to book their place in the last four of the conference.
"For us it was about showing heart, just going out and playing every possession like it's our last. It's a do-or-die game, and we really played like it tonight," said Meralco captain Chris Newsome, who put up 18 points and five assists for the Bolts.
Lastimosa was the biggest thorn in the side of Meralco, as the guard took charge for the Hotshots after their import, Clint Chapman, fouled out with still 4:21 to play in the fourth quarter.
The guard out of Adamson knocked down a huge three-pointer for a 90-89 lead with 52.1 seconds to go, but Bong Quinto answered with a triple of his own on the other end to give the Bolts a 92-90 advantage in the final 30 seconds.
Lastimosa would not be denied, however. His baseline drive and layup knotted the count at 92 with 10 seconds left, and Newsome missed two close looks in the closing seconds to send the game to overtime.
Lastimosa continued his onslaught in the extra period, with a highlight reel play against the defense of Javee Mocon forcing a 96-all tie. Meralco would have more firepower in the end game, however: Quinto's jumper put them ahead for good, 102-100, with 38.4 seconds to go.
The Hotshots still had a chance down 104-101 with 21 seconds left, but Lastimosa was stopped at the rim by Meralco import Marvin Jones. Quinto iced the game with a split at the line, and Magnolia's last-ditch effort to tie the game ended with a Cliff Hodge defensive stop.
"Composure is the name of the game when it comes to playoff basketball. You gotta be able to execute well," Newsome said afterward. "I'm glad the guys stuck with it today. I'm really proud of everybody in that locker room tonight."
Jones finished with 28 points and nine rebounds for Meralco, while CJ Cansino had 16 and Cliff Hodge had 14. Quinto missed his first four shots before his clutch triple in regulation, and finished with 11 points -- eight in overtime.
Wasted in the defeat was Lastimosa's 28-point effort, as well as Mark Barroca's 22-point outing. Chapman had 26 points before fouling out.
Meralco will play the winner of the do-or-die game between NLEX and TNT in a best-of-7 semifinals series.