Durham, Bolts quell Hotshots

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-three days after its PBA breakthrough in the last Philippine Cup, Meralco went right back to business with a 99-94 verdict over Magnolia in a nail-biting Season 49 Governors’ Cup opener last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts banked on Chris Newsome’s split and Allen Durham’s two free throws in the dying seconds to quell the Hotshots’ furious fightback from 11 down and hurdle their first gig after their epic 80-78 title-clincher over San Miguel Beer on June 16.

Chris Banchero, who at the 10:24 of the second period earned the honors as the first player in history to score from the new four-point arc from 27 feet, fired 14 to lead three other locals in double figures.

Newsome and Jolo Mendoza shot 13 apiece and Cliff Hodge produced 12 in giving the Bolts this winning start.

Glenn Robinson III marked his PBA debut with 29-11 but failed to make the potential game-winning four-pointer when Magnolia faced a 94-97 deficit with 1.6 seconds left.

The Bolts turned to an unlikely weapon – long-distance shooting – to get the edge in the well-fought match. Luigi Trillo’s charges shot 40 percent from the four-point line (2-of-5) and 40.7 percent from the three-point distance (11-of-27).

Earlier, before unleashing action for the new season, the pro league led by chairman Ricky Vargas gave due recognition to the country’s Olympians who produced a best-ever two-gold, two-bronze haul in Paris.

Bronze medal-winning boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas led the contingent that basked in glory at halfcourt, gamely doing the ceremonial toss.

Joining the two in the tribute were gymnast Aleah Finnegan, who served as muse of Meralco, rower Joanie Delgaco, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe and hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman.