Meralco got swept by Ginebra in three games in the PBA quarterfinals but looked sharp as ever against Macau in the EASL two days later.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo probably did not need to say much to motivate his charges ahead of their East Asia Super League (EASL) opener on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
After coming off a heartbreaking loss to rival Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, the Bolts vented their ire on Macau, 97-85, in a swashbuckling start to their campaign in the regional league at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“That one was tough. We’re very disappointed with that,” said Trillo, referring to his squad's loss to the Gin Kings just two days ago.
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Chris Newsome led the crusade against the visiting team, finishing with 18 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals.
Newsome, though, had plenty of help.
Former PBA Best Import Allen Durham turned in a double-double outing of 17 points and 11 rebounds, while DJ Kennedy had the same number of points with nine rebounds and seven assists.
Chris Banchero added 14 markers for the Bolts, who led by as many as 19 points in their triumph against the EASL’s new expansion team for the season.
Naturalized Filipino Ange Kouame finished with nine points and nine rebounds.
“It was nice to see some of our guys blending with some of our local groups,” Trillo said, referring to Kennedy and Kouame.
Jeantal Cylla spearheaded the Black Bears with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and the same number of steals and blocks.
William Artino also had 23 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.