Meralco downs Macau, San Miguel falls to Suwon in EASL opener

The Meralco Bolts took down the Macau Black Bears, 97-85, in the opening night of the East Asia Super League on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bolts were leading 80-72 at around the seventh minute of the fourth quarter but back-to-back triples from Chris Newsome and Allen Durham, followed by a basket from David Kennedy further widened the gap against the Black Bears. Meralco then took control of the game despite Macau cutting the deficit to within 11 at the 1:24 mark as a Newsome jumper and Durham slam sealed the win for the Bolts.

Newsome had 18 points, while Durham posted a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Bolts who competed just days after they were eliminated from title contention in the PBA.

Jeantal Cylla and William Artino had 23 points apiece for Macau, while Damian Chongqui had 21 points.

Earlier, the San Miguel Beermen fell to Korea's Suwon KT Sonicboom, 87-81.

EJ Anosike had 34 points, while June Mar Fajardo added 19 points for the Beermen.

Rayshaun Hammonds had 39 points, while Heo Hoon and Han Huiwon had 17 and 14 points, respectively, for the KBL team.

Meralco will fly to Japan as they face the Ryukyu Golden Kings next on October 16, while San Miguel will play at home on November 13 against the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots. Meralco will also play on November 13 against Busan KCC Egis.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News