MANILA, Philippines — Meralco relied on its balanced scoring attack to smother the visiting Macau Black Bears, 97-85 in the main game kicking off the East Asia Super League home-and-away Season 2 on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Just a few days removed from being swept by the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 3-0 in the Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series, the Bolts came out the aggressor.
Chris Newsome led the Bolts’ solid offensive with 18 points, lacing his game with 4-of-6 shooting from downtown, while issuing six assists.
Allen Durham had 17 points and 11 rebounds, while fellow import DJ Kennedy also had 17, along nine rebounds and seven assists.
Chris Banchero chipped in 14 while
Gilas naturalized big man Ange Kouame chipped in nine markers and nine boards.
Jeantal Cylla and William Artino each scored 23 points to lead the Black Bears, while playmaker Damian Chong Qui added 21.
