Bolts eye clearer EASL Final Four path
The Meralco Bolts look to strengthen their bid to become the first PBA team to reach the East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four when they host Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
A victory in the 8:10 p.m. matchup will give the Bolts control over their postseason fate, allowing them to gain ground on the New Taipei Kings and the Macau Black Bears in the tight Group B race. New Taipei, holding a 2-2 (win-loss) record, was playing the Busan KCC Egis at press time, while Macau completed its group stage campaign with a 3-3 tally.
Painful defeat
Meralco, also at 2-2, looks to rebound from a frustrating 72-68 road loss to Busan last month. A win then would have strengthened their semifinal aspirations. Still, Coach Luigi Trillo remains hopeful.
“Though painful as it seems [losing to Busan], we still control our own destiny and are very capable of winning our last two games,” Trillo said. His team, with guidance from active consultant Nenad Vucinic, faces a virtual do-or-die against New Taipei in Taiwan next month to close group play.
The Bolts plan to channel their strong PBA Commissioner’s Cup momentum into the clash with Group B leader Ryukyu (4-1).
Chris Banchero, the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week, has been instrumental, shining in recent wins over NorthPort and San Miguel Beer. Import Akil Mitchell has also excelled since returning from injury, wearing a protective mask after a broken nose. Fellow import DJ Kennedy and naturalized player Ange Kouame are also expected to contribute significantly.
