Meralco beats Magnolia 99-94 in PBA Season 49 opener

Meralco secured a narrow 99-94 victory over Magnolia in the opening game of PBA Season 49 on Sunday, August 18.

Returning import Allen Durham led Meralco with a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds, emphasizing his seamless return after four years away.

Durham's improved perimeter play was highlighted by going 3-for-5 from beyond the old perimeter arc, but he admitted to still being rusty due to limited practice time.

Chris Banchero supported Durham by scoring 14 points, including a historic four-point shot early in the second quarter that became one of only two such shots in the game.

Glenn Robinson III led Magnolia with 29 points and 11 rebounds but missed a potential game-winning four-pointer, allowing Meralco to seal their win.

Meralco's head coach Luigi Trillo praised his team for maintaining focus throughout the game and standing together in the tough first game of the season.