HOPE LOOMS FOR MERALCO

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco’s bid to barge into the EASL playoffs is in peril after suffering two road losses in a row but there’s hope in the horizon as the Bolts play their last four elimination games at home, starting with Saturday’s rematch against Chinese-Taipei’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said it’s been a tough grind for the Bolts who’re also playing in the PBA Philippine Cup. Since losing to Ryukyu last Oct. 22, Meralco has lost to NLEX and TNT in the PBA within four days. Then came the setback to Taoyuan last Sunday with active coaching consultant Nenad Vucinic ejected on two technicals.

“We’re representing not just Meralco but also PBA and our country and we’re doing our best under the circumstances,” said Trillo. “CJ (Cansino) couldn’t play in our second EASL game because of a bad sprain and we’re still waiting for JB (Justin Brownlee).”

Trillo said under EASL rules, a team can enlist two world imports, a naturalized player and an Asian heritage recruit. If Brownlee isn’t available, Ange Kouame will take his place on Saturday. Kouame, however, is coming off a 1 1/2 month layoff and started practice with Meralco only the other day. The good news is Asian heritage import Sina Vahedi is in town and will suit up for the Bolts’ next four EASL contests.

Trillo said Meralco will continue to deploy Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero as world imports. Taoyuan standouts to watch in Saturday’s game are 7-1 2014 Phoenix Suns second round draft pick Alec Brown, 6-11 naturalized Will Artino, 6-7 Setric Millner and national player 6-3 Lu Chun Hsiang, averaging 19 points.

After Saturday, Meralco will play Macau on Nov. 15, the Black Bears in a rematch on Dec. 6 and Ryukyu on Feb. 11. All the games will be at the Capital Arena. The top two teams in Meralco’s group of four will advance to the Round of Six playoffs in March. The Bolts will be back in the PBA against Terrafirma on Dec. 10.

2025-11-05T16:31:41Z