Meralco bows to Mono Vamp in Champs Cup

MANILA, Philippines — A badly crippled Meralco team struggled to get good a rhythm and dropped a 92-100 loss to host team Mono Vampire on opening day of the 2019 FIBA Asia Champions Cup at Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand yesterday.

The Bolts actually set the pace most of the first three quarters but tapered off in the payoff period, losing steam and firepower minus key players Ranidel de Ocampo, Jared Dillinger, Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge.

De Ocampo and Dillinger stayed in Manila due to injuries while Fil-Ams Newsome and Hodge were disallowed to play as regular Filipino players.

Starters Allen Durham, Diamond Stone, Baser Amer, AJ Caram and Reynel Hugnatan combined for 82 points but the Meralco bench contributed a measly 10.

Stone, a late replacement to Liam McMorrow, produced 23 points and eight rebounds while Durham came through with 20 markers and 18 boards.

Mono Vampire imports Marcus Keene and Mike Singletary – a veteran PBA import -- proved to be more productive, with the former firing away 29 points and the latter rifling in 25.

From a close 92-89 count, the Mono Vampire imports delivered lethal baskets to dispose of the Bolts, who’ve been struggling even back home.

The Bolts tote a 1-3 win-loss record in the PBA Governors Cup.