Photo from EASL / Website
The Meralco Bolts’ East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign came to a halt Wednesday, Feb. 11, after a 79-88 defeat to Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings in their knockout match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Meralco struggled from the outset, falling behind by 17 points in the second quarter and failing to generate enough offense to close the gap.
Despite contributions from Justin Brownlee, Sina Vahedi, Ismael Romero, and Cody Lalanne, the Bolts could not mount a sustained comeback, finishing their third EASL stint with a 3-3 record.
Romero led the team with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Lalanne added 18 points. Brownlee chipped in 12 points, six assists, and four rebounds, with Vahedi contributing 10. Meralco briefly cut the deficit in the fourth quarter but could not overtake Ryukyu, who topped Group B and advanced to the EASL Finals 2026 in Macau.
In an online post, the Meralco Bolts expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their experience and their fans who have supported them throughout their East Asia Super League Season.
“We are proud to have represented the Philippines and competed against the best in Asia.”
The loss continues a six-year streak of PBA teams failing to reach the EASL playoffs, with San Miguel Beermen the last Filipino squad to advance during the 2019 The Terrific 12 pre-season tournament.
AloJapan.com