Bolts 82, Gilas 96

Behind close door tune-up match, the Meralco Bolts gave Gilas Pilipinas a test prior to the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. The national team defeated the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco despite having been formed only a few days ago.

Both sides played undermanned, but nonetheless the national team of coach Tim Cone prevailed in the game, 96-82, played at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.

Akil Mitchell Comparable To Su Braimoh

Meralco defeated the Busan KCC Egis in an East Asia Super League (EASL) last 13 November in a nail-biting 81-80 score. The game also gave the Bolts an advantage for the Bolts heading into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on 27 November.

"The one thing that teams suffer from is that they normally get imports the last week before a new conference starts. The EASL has allowed us to take a look at guys who can be imports in the PBA," head coach Luigi Trillo told the Inquirer on the eve of the homestand that tips at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Angelo Kouame Completes The Gilas Pool

Big man Angelo Kouame has rejoined the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

The 6-foot-11 Filipino-Ivorian center, who currently plays for Meralco in the EASL, is among the 15 players named by head coach Tim Cone for the second qualifying window, scheduled for 21 to 25 November.

Akil Mitchell Is Impressive In His First Game With The Bolts

It is too early to tell, but it looks like the Meralco Bolts’ new import for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quickly is a proven winner and team player by leading them to a 81-80 win against South Korea’s Busan KCC Egis in the East Asia Super League (EASL) last 13 November.

The Meralco Bolts were one of the last PBA teams to name their import for the upcoming Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, only announcing a few days ago that well-traveled Akil Mitchell would be suiting up for them.