By REYNALD MAGALLON
Meralco was off to a rousing start in its redemption bid in the East Asia Super League, zapping newcomer Macau, 97-85, in the 2023-’24 season opener at home at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Chris Newsome led the balanced attack for the Bolts who created the separation in the third frame before fending off a late fightback from the Black Bears to already match their one-win performance from the last season.
Newsome led the way with 18 points, six assists and three steals for Meralco which picked up the pieces from its abrupt exit in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup at the hands of rival Barangay Ginebra just two days ago.
Allen Durham was a force inside the paint with 17 points and 11 rebounds even with the presence of 7-foot-6 Black Bears center Sam Deguara.
The other import in DJ Kennedy impressed with 17 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a steal in his first game in Meralco uniform while Chris Banchero added 14 points and naturalized Filipino Ange Kouame provided the spark off the bench with nine points, nine rebounds and a block.
Not as fortunate as Meralco, meanwhile, was San Miguel which lost steam in the second half and bowed to the visiting Suwon KT of the Korean Basketball League, 87-81, to open its EASL campaign on the wrong foot.
Rayshaun Hammonds proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the PBA representatives, spearheading a huge third quarter tear that allowed the Sonicboom to take the control against the Beermen.
Hammonds had 32 of his game-high 39 points in the first half as he scored on his will inside the paint despite the presence of SMB’s twin tower of June Mar Fajardo and import Quincy Miller.
He also added 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals to his name while Hun Heo orchestrated the attack for the KBL runners-up with 17 points, nine assists and three steals.
Han Huiwon was also crucial for the Koreans, firing 12 of his 14 points in the third frame where Suwon KT had a 10-point turn around taking a 68-62 lead at the end of the third after trailing by four, 43-39 at the half.
SMB import EJ Anosike exploded for 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals but went down the drain as SMB’s bid for redemption began on a rough start.
Fajardo was also solid for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions with 19 points and nine rebounds but lacked contribution from the rest of the team.
Miller, for one, had a forgettable debut for SMB, finishing with only eight points on a poor 2-of-12 shooting.
