FILE– Meralco Bolts’ EASL import Allen Durham. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco absorbed its first loss in the 2024-25 season of the East Asia Super League (EASL) at the hands of Japan B.League squad, Ryukyu Golden Kings.

The Bolts’ late-game rally wasn’t enough as the Golden Kings notched a 77-74 win at Okinawa Arena in Japan on Wednesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meralco failed to follow up its win on home soil a few weeks ago at the expense of the Macau Black Bears, 97-85, at Mall of Asia Arena.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA Finals: TNT carries extra weapons into duel vs Ginebra SPORTS 2024 PBA Finals schedule: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang Giga SPORTS Tim Cone, Ginebra locked in on getting back at TNT for PBA title

The Bolts were down 77-68, with 2:36 to until they buckled down on offense and defense to mount a comeback rally.

READ: Chris Newsome impresses Macau coach in Meralco’s EASL opener

Article continues after this advertisement

Longtime import Allen Durham and Bong Quinto converted buckets down the stretch to cut the lead to three, 77-74, with 41.7 remaining.

Article continues after this advertisement

With the ball at the Golden Kings’ side, Meralco showed its hard-nosed defense on full display, preventing Ryukyu from pulling away.

Article continues after this advertisement

But Meralco’s attempt to send the game into overtime came up short after a three-ball from Durham, who formerly played for the Golden Kings sailed out at the buzzer.

READ: Allen Durham shifts focus on Meralco Bolts’ next mission in EASL

Article continues after this advertisement

Durham finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists but it wasn’t enough as the Bolts slid to a 1-1 card in the EASL.

Import David Kennedy and Chris Newsome chipped in 30 and 18 points, respectively, but to no avail.

The Golden Kings relied on their big-man duo of Victor Law and Jack Cooley, who finished with 18 points a piece in their first win of the young season.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Up next for the Bolts is an affair with Korean Basketball League squad Busan KCC Egis on November 13 at Philsports Arena.lucky rainbow

READ NEXT UAAP: Royce Alforque, FEU learn from first round heartbreak vs NU San Miguel frustrates Ginebra, Justin Brownlee for 2-2 PBA sem... EDITORS' PICK SG’s Changi goes passport-less; average 10 secs to clear immigration Tolentino cites importance of having provincial evacuation centers Marikina River under second alarm Peza posts nearly P8 billion worth of investments in October Canada to cut immigration numbers LIST: Class suspensions in Cebu on Oct. 24 due to #KristinePH MOST READ West PH Sea: Indonesia drives out China coast guard ship from disputed waters LIVE UPDATES: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine LPA outside PAR may become tropical depression Friday – Pagasa Storm Kristine update: Signal No. 2 in Metro Manila, 23 Luzon areas View comments

• amp
• #8217
• lucky rainbow
• EASL
• Meralco