Meralco lost power to sustain a late fightback, dropping a close 77-74 decision on the road against Japan B.League runner-up Ryukyu in the 2024-’25 East Asia Super League at the Okinawa Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Trailing for the most part, the Bolts gave themselves a chance at sending the game to an extra period after coming close to overhauling a 11-point deficit inside the last 2:50 of the contest but Allen Durham was well-covered in his potential game-tying triple at the buzzer.

Meralco actually trailed by as many as 16 points and did not threaten until the waning minutes when it went on an 8-0 spurt to cut a 66-77 deficit to just three, 74-77, after a pair of Durham free throws.

The Bolts had the chance to drag the game to overtime in the final possession but the Golden Kings' defense clamped down on DJ Kennedy who was forced to give up the ball at the last second to Durham at the right wing.

The hulking import tried his best to get a clear shot at the basket with a step-to-the-left trey but he was still blocked by Victor Law to preserve the game for Ryukyu.

Law led the way for Ryukyu with 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three blocks while fellow import Jack Cooley had 18 points and seven rebounds.

Kennedy spearheaded the attack for Meralco with 30 points and 12 rebounds while Durham, who played and won a championship with Ryukyu in 2022, had 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

Chris Newsome was only the other Meralco local in double figure with 18.