The Meralco Bolts suffered a 89-61 defeat at the hands of the Japanese team Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday, November 15, at Okinawa Arena.
Chris Newsome finished with 11 points while import Prince Ibeh and Cliff Hodge both chipped in 11 points in the debut game of the Bolts in the East Asia Super League.
At the end of the first quarter, the Bolts still had the lead, 21-17
A three-point basket by Hayato Maki allowed the Kings to tie the score, 28-all, before Allen Durham and Jack Cooley buried a series of charities to take the lead, 31-28, in the second period.
The defending champions of the Japan B.League never felt threatened after Keita Imamura and Maki made back-to-back three-point baskets to extend the deficit, 46-34.
Keita Imamura scored 19 points and Durham added 16 points for the victory of Ryukyu.
The Bolts will seek to make a comeback when they face the New Taipei Kings on November 29.
