Meralco Bolts shift focus to 2025–26 EASL campaign amid hectic PBA schedule

The Meralco Bolts are heading to Okinawa, Japan, with serious momentum after notching three consecutive victories in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup. Their latest win came in a nail-biter, edging out the Magnolia Hotshots, 78-76, on Sunday, October 19, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

This win capped an impressive five-day stretch for the Bolts, who rebounded from an 0-2 start with back-to-back victories over Blackwater Bossing and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel before narrowly escaping Magnolia.

Just a day after their third straight win, the Bolts flew to Okinawa to prepare for their East Asia Super League (EASL) opener against Japanese B.League powerhouse Ryukyu Golden Kings, scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, at the Okinawa Suntory Arena.

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Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo acknowledged initial concerns about the team’s rough start but credited his squad’s grit and resilience for their recent turnaround.

“Honestly, we were kind of worried when we went 0-2, especially knowing we had to face Blackwater, Ginebra, and Magnolia next,” said Trillo. “But this is a testament to the team’s character. Coach Nenad [Vucinic] even said it would be great to get one more win before heading to Okinawa—and we did just that.”

EASL WEEK 2 OTW 🔜

3 matchups for the 2nd game week running 🥳

⭐️ 3 B.LEAGUE teams all in action

⭐️ New-look Meralco Bolts make their 2025-26 EASL debut

⭐️ New Taipei Kings open 3rd straight EASL season at home #EASL #YourGame pic.twitter.com/WDrodnAgYV

— East Asia Super League (@EASLofficial) October 19, 2025

The Bolts are bracing for a grueling stretch, with their EASL opener marking their sixth game in just eight days. Still, Trillo isn’t using the packed schedule as an excuse.

“We’ve been through this before,” he said. “Last year we played in the Basketball Champions League Asia and the EASL, so we’re used to the travel and quick turnarounds. But just because we’re used to it doesn’t guarantee wins. That said, it’s nice to have three straight victories under our belt heading into this next challenge—it could be a good omen.”

Meralco will be reinforced in the EASL by a pair of high-profile imports: three-time PBA champion and former Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Puerto Rican national team standout Ismael Romero. PBA legend Justin Brownlee is also expected to join the squad later in the tournament.

The clash against Ryukyu promises to be a stiff test for the Bolts, but they arrive in Japan in strong form and with high confidence.

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