BOLTS REBOUND FROM A HEARTBREAKER

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco rose to the challenge and outclassed Japan kingpin Utsunomiya, 97-86, to secure its ticket to the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League Asia Sunday night in Dubai.

Facing a must-win after their opening 87-101 loss to home club Shahab Al Ahli, the Bolts put together a high-powered performance for the whole 40 minutes to pull it off against the debuting Brex.

The reigning PBA Philippine Cup rulers were wiser after the heartbreaker against the Emirati club in Friday’s Group B inaugurals, where they faded in the finish, blowing away an 11-point lead in the second period.

As in the Red Knights gig, the Bolts went on a second-quarter rampage, leading the B League powerhouse by as many as 15 before settling for a 50-38 margin at the break. But this time, Meralco held on firmly and followed through to the delight of roaring Filipino supporters at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall.

2025-06-09T16:36:11Z