Chris Newsome and Co. are far from satisfied as Meralco braces for a tough battle ahead after prevailing in the opener of its best-of-seven PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup finals series against San Miguel.
Fans clad in orange shirts were overwhelmed with joy as Meralco gained the headstart against titleholder San Miguel in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 5.
Chris Newsome, who emerged as Game 1's best player, was not.
Newsome said the Bolts still has their work cut out for them despite besting San Miguel, 93-86, in the opener of their best-of-seven battle for the crown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Winning Game 1 is always a big help, but by no means are we happy or satisfied. It’s just one game,” said Newsome, who shared topscoring honors with Chris Banchero with their identical 18 points.
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The two-way guard pointed out Meralco's semifinal series against Ginebra, where the latter claimed the opener but eventually surrendered to its playoff rival, sending the Bolts to their maiden All-Filipino conference Last Dance.
Chris Newsome in action during Meralco and San Miguel's Game 1 tussle for the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup diadem on Wednesday, June 6 | Photo (c) RM Chua
“You can look back at our last series against Ginebra. They won Game 1, and we ended up winning the series,” said Newsome.
“So it doesn’t necessarily mean that because we won Game 1, that we won the series. There’s so much more work that has to be done.”
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The Bolts displayed their defensive identity in the win, limiting the Beermen to just 86 points. It was definitely a low for a team that was averaging 107.4 points before the series.
That is what Meralco should keep doing if it wants to win the race-to-four finale for its first-ever title after coming up short in five attempts.
Though odds are stacked against the Bolts, Newsome is preaching belief in each member of the team as they look to slay the giant that is San Miguel.
“Our guys, the guys in the locker room, our organization, believe that we can do it. That’s why you see the signs out there that say 'Believe,'” Newsome said, referring to the signs held by fans during the game.
“That’s something we really embody. You really have to believe that you can get something done or accomplish something special as a a group despite the odds against you.”
Meralco has to lean on that and more as it eyes a 2-0 lead against the Beermen in Game 2 on Friday, 7:30 p.m., at the same venue.