After losing to Barangay Ginebra in the 2034 PBA Governor's Cup Quarterfinals, the Meralco Bolts is in a new basketball season. This means a fresh start for Meralco in the East Asia Super League.
The Bolts opened their EASL campaign with promise, pulling off a 97-85 win over the visiting Macau Black Bears to protect their turf at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, 2 October 2024.
Chris Newsome finished with 18 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals to lead a balanced attack as Meralco matched its win total last season — a forgettable stint that saw it compile a measly 1-5 record.
"We're here to win. Plain and simple," said Newsome. "Last year, it was a test for us to kind of feel what the EASL is all about. This year, we're coming to win."
Imports Allen Durham and DJ Kennedy also shone for the Bolts, who gained an early lead in Group B, as they held their own against 7-foot-6 Macau giant Sam Deguara.
Durham posted 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Kennedy delivered 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, as well as the free throws that gave Meralco its biggest lead of the game at 93-74 with under four minutes left.
Chris Banchero chimed in 14 points as the Bolts redeemed themselves after their ouster from the PBA Governors’ Cup, where they got swept by Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals just two days prior.
"We have a lot of guys who are capable of stepping up," said Newsome. "We love playing team basketball, everybody chipped in."
Aside from Kennedy, Meralco also tapped Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame, who contributed 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The EASL allows teams to bring in two imports and one naturalized player.
Jeantal Cylla and William Artino paced the Black Bears with 23 points each and combined for 21 rebounds, while Damian Chongqui put up 21 points.
Deguara added 8 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
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