Meralco holds on vs HK Eastern in PBA's 2025 opener

Akil Mitchell put up 31 points and a whopping seven steals to lead Meralco to a stunner against Eastern. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The first PBA win for 2025 belonged to Meralco as the team held off Hong Kong Eastern, 88-83, in their Commissioner's Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night.

The Bolts banked on the heroics of Aaron Black, who scored on a layup with 45 seconds left to pounce on Chan Siu Wing's crucial turnover and give them an 86-81 cushion.

Hayden Blankley missed a three-point attempt that could have kept the Long Lions in the game, and Chris Newsome hit two free throws off Blankley's quick foul to up the Bolts' lead to seven, 88-81, with 33 seconds left.

Chris McLaughlin scored on a quick layup that cut Eastern's deficit to five, but the team could not score afterward.

Akil Mitchell fired 31 points with 14 rebounds, six assists, and seven steals to lead Meralco, which momentarily tied Ginebra, which will play San Miguel later Sunday, for fifth place in the standings at 4-2.

Quinto added 16 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting on threes, four rebounds, and two assists.

McLaughlin's monster game of 28 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks with three assists and two steals was not enough as Eastern dropped to 6-3.

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