The Meralco Bolts gun for their best record yet in the EASL as they once again face reigning KBL champions Busan KCC Egis, this time in Korea.
The Meralco Bolts aim to strengthen their 2024-25 East Asia Super League (EASL) playoff push as they face the Busan KCC Egis on Wednesday, December 18, at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium.
In a duel between the Philippine Cup and KBL champions, The Bolts narrowly escaped Busan in their first meeting last November 13, 81-80, behind Bong Quinto’s clutch three-pointer and Akil Mitchell’s game-winning free throw.
That victory marked a historic milestone for the Bolts, who surpassed their lone win from the previous EASL season with a current 2-1 record.
A season sweep of Busan would improve Meralco's record to 3-1, significantly boosting its chances of a Final Four berth.
[ALSO READ: How EASL win became a factor in Meralco Bolts' first-ever PBA championship]
However, the Bolts could be in for a tough one as injuries have hounded the team in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup. Mitchell was the first to go down, suffering a broken nose but is on the end. Even DJ Kennedy has had to deal with calf issues, forcing Meralco to play All-Filipino in a recent loss to Blackwater.
Nevertheless, Kennedy should be available and Meralco still has Ange Kouame as naturalized player, as well as a local crew led by Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Anjo Caram, and Aaron Black, among others.
Tip off will be at 6:10 p.m. Philippine time.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]