The Meralco Bolts narrowly defeated the Magnolia Hotshots 78-76 in a thrilling PBA on tour exhibition game played on October 19, 2025, at 19:30. A clutch basket in the game's final seconds decided this preseason classic, giving the Bolts a hard-earned two-point victory. The game was a defensive struggle for long stretches, with both teams trading the lead multiple times in the fourth quarter. Magnolia held a slim advantage with under a minute to play, but Meralco executed a critical defensive stop and converted on the ensuing fast break to take the lead for good. The match result, while from the preseason tour, provides valuable momentum for the Bolts heading into the official season. The focus point was the redemption performance of a Meralco guard who had struggled earlier but hit the game-winning shot. The starting lineups featured both teams' star players, who were on limited minutes as part of the preseason schedule.