MANILA – Meralco opened their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign with a 99-94 escape over Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Leading by as much as 11 points midway through the fourth period, the Bolts saw their lead cut to 73-80 following a four-point shot by Hotshots’ Paul Lee and inside connections by Glenn Robinson III.
The Bolts responded with conversions from Chris Newsome and Allen Durham to make it an 84-75 score. The Hotshots made their last push at 94-97, but two free throws by Durham sealed the win for Meralco.
Durham top-scored with 20 points, including three three-point conversions, to go with 16 rebounds and three assists, while Chris Banchero added 14 markers, including PBA’s first-ever four-point shot, for the Bolts.
Jolo Mendoza chipped in 13 points, including a four-point conversion, while Newsome and Clifford Hodge ended with 13 and 12, respectively, for the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions.
“We just had to find a way (to win),” Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo said in a post-game interview. “Obviously, we just have anim na practices and two tune-up games (with Durham).”
“We are a little bit rusty (entering this game), but AD is a veteran player and he is up to the task on finding ways to win. He is not yet in his peak form, but I believe he will soon be,” he added.
Robinson had a double-double of 29 points and 11 rebounds, Ian Sangalang contributed 17 points, while Paul Lee added 14 markers, including a four-point shot, for the Hotshots.
Meanwhile, PBA action resumes today with Blackwater Bossing facing Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 5 p.m. and TNT Tropang Giga opening their title defense against NorthPort Batang Pier at 7:30 p.m./PN
BOX SCORE:
MERALCO 99 – Durham 20, Banchero 14, Mendoza 13, Newsome 13, Hodge 12, Quinto 9, Black 6, Pasaol 3, Rios 3, Bates 2, Pascual 2, Cansino 2, Torres 0, Caram 0.
MAGNOLIA 94 – Robinson 29, Sangalang 17, Lee 14, Barroca 9, Lucero 7, Ahanmisi 6, Dela Rosa 5, Laput 4, Mendoza 3, Escoto 0, Abueva 0, Dionisio 0.
Quarterscores: 16-12, 43-39, 74-63, 99-94.
