Meralco bolts edge out Magnolia hotshots in PBA Governors Cup clash

The Meralco Bolts secured a hard-fought 82-74 victory over the import-less Magnolia Hotshots in their PBA Governors Cup clash.

Chris Newsome led the Bolts with 21 points, supported by Bong Quinto's 16 points and Allen Durham's 15-point, 15-rebound double-double.

Despite playing with an all-Filipino lineup, Magnolia mounted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to four points in the final minutes.

Key late-game plays by Allen Durham, including back-to-back layups, and crucial defensive stops helped Meralco seal the win.

Zavier Lucero and Mark Barroca were the top scorers for Magnolia with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The win propelled Meralco to a 5-1 record, placing them in solo first place in Group A, while Magnolia dropped to 3-3.

Magnolia's replacement import, Shabazz Muhammad, was not yet cleared to play during the game.