The Meralco Bolts will be back in action in the East Asia Super League (EASL) on 18 December when they take on the Busan KCC Egis. During their first meeting last 14 November, the Bolts narrowly escapes with a 81-80 win at the PhilSports Arena in the Philippines.
In their previous game, Egis held the lead for much of the game but were overtaken by the Bolts in the final minute. Egis led 26-20 at the end of the first quarter and extended their advantage to 53-42 by halftime. They were still up 68-63 at the end of the third quarter.
However, the Bolts mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 80-80. With just six seconds remaining, Akil Mitchell scored a critical free throw, sealing the victory for the Bolts.
Mitchell was the game’s top scorer with 33 points, while Egis's Denote Burton followed closely with 26 points.
In their second meeting, it is doubtful that Mitchell will be able to suit up after suffer8ing a broken nose that needed a surgery during the team's game against The Rain or Shine Elastorpainters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup.
Compounding to Meralco's woes are the injuries to Raymond Almazan, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, Brandon Bates, Jolo Mendoza, and rookie CJ Cansino. PBA substitute import, DJ Kennedy, was also reported to be suffering from a tightening of calf muscles.
A ninth player, Bong Quinto, is also nursing a hurting right knee, but valiantly played through the injury to help the Meralco in their last game against the Blackwater Elites.
"Bugbog na kami," said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo their loss to the Elites.
Meanwhile, the Bolts hold a 2-1 record in Group B at the EASL, where they sit in second place on the five-team table. For Egis, they are still looking to secure their first win after three consecutive losses, which puts them at the bottom of the standings.
San Miguel Beermen and Hong Kong Eastern are yet to secure a win in Group A.
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