Bolts down Hotshots for solo Group A lead

MANILA, Philippines -- The Meralco Bolts won their fourth straight game in the PBA Governors’ Cup as it zapped the import-less Magnolia Hotshots, 82-74, to grab the solo lead in Group A play in the PBA Governors' Cup Saturday at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Sports & Cultural Center.

Meralco quelled a furious rally by Magnolia to go up 5-1 this season.

Chris Newsome sparked the Bolts in the wire-to-wire affair with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Bong Quinto added 16 markers and eight boards.

Meralco led by 13, 71-58, with 7:57 remaining in the game.

The Hotshots then heated up and cut the lead to four, 70-74, after a blistering 12-3 run capped by an Aris Dionisio 3-pointer.

The Bolts, though, went to ol reliable Allen Durham, who powered in two layups to push the lead to eight, 78-70.

After a Dionisio 3-pointer missed, Chris Newsome was fouled from way beyond. He iced the game after making two of his freebies.

Durham finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds and two assists. Chris Banchero added 10 points and six assists.

Zavier Lucero paced Magnolia with a double-double performance of 14 markers and 13 boards. Mark Barroca, Paul Lee and Jerick Balanza had 12, 11 and 10 in that order.

The Hotshots dropped to 3-3 in the season.