POWER SURGE

Meralco survived a furious Blackwater comeback to pull off a 116-114 victory and secure back-to-back wins in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Tuesday.

Antonio Hester delivered a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Bolts, who hung tough despite yielding a 113-103 lead en route to preserving their second win in three matches and move to the second place in Group B.

But it was Chris Newsome who emerged as the hero, sinking the game-winning layup with 4.4 seconds left off an overhead pass from Chris Banchero.

Then, Newsome, who finished with 16 points, three rebounds and four assists, forced Blackwater guard RK Ilagan into committing a turnover in the closing seconds to seal the win.

Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo admitted his team struggled to contain Sedrick Barefield, who almost willed the Bossing to victory to finish with 29 points.

“They have no quit. That’s a testament to what Coach Pat’s (Aquino) been doing there. They’re playing really well, so you have to credit Blackwater,” said Trillo, who heaved a huge sigh of relief after winning the game that could have given the Bossing their third straight victory.

“Also, Barefield — he was unstoppable in the fourth. Good thing we were able to hit that last shot on that pass to New (Newsome).”

The Bolts appeared headed for a comfortable win after opening a 110-92 lead with 7:35 remaining.

But Barefield ignited a 22-4 run with a layup at the 7:22 mark as Blackwater erased the 18-point deficit and tied the game at 114 with 1:31 left. Then, Meralco turned to Banchero who issued a beautiful assist to Newsome in the clutch.

Trillo said his team could not afford to relax in the import-laden conference, where every game has become unpredictable.

“You look at our group with Phoenix and Blackwater. People think they should be at the bottom of the standings, but it’s the opposite,” said Trillo, who sent home their original import Jordon Varnado in favor of Hester after suffering an injury.

“They’re the ones leading now, while good teams like Magnolia and Rain or Shine are down. They’re better than what their records show.”

Banchero scored 12 of his 16 points from the four-point line while CJ Cansino added 15 points for Meralco.

On the other hand, import Kentrell Barkley pumped in 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Blackwater absorbed its first loss in the season-ending conference. Ivan Suing