Meralco eyes historic spot as first PBA team in EASL Final Four

For the Meralco Bolts, Wednesday’s clash against the Ryukyu Golden Kings isn’t just another game—it’s a chance to make history. A victory by at least six points would punch the Bolts’ ticket to the EASL Final Four, a feat no Philippine Basketball Association team has ever achieved.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Ryukyu sits atop Group B on a four-game winning streak, already securing a top-two finish if they keep the margin tight. For Meralco, it’s simple: win by six points or more, and the Bolts etch their name in EASL history.

The Bolts head into the finale with a mix of challenges and reinforcements. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Meralco’s top scorer at 22.2 points per game, is sidelined for the season with an achilles tear. Chris Newsome’s availability is uncertain as he battles a knee injury.

Yet Meralco has bolstered its lineup with Jason Brickman and Cady Lalanne. Brickman, drafted by the Bolts and recently a champion with their MPBL affiliate, provides stability and playmaking, while Lalanne offers size and experience down low. Key holdovers, including Ismael Romero—EASL’s November Player of the Month—and veteran import Justin Brownlee, give Meralco the firepower and leadership needed in a do-or-die scenario.

“The chemistry is still building, but with this talent, we know we can be dangerous,” a team insider said.

The Golden Kings approach the showdown with a proven core. Ryuichi Kishimoto sets the pace, while Alex Kirk and Jack Cooley dominate the paint. Ryukyu also benefits from the stabilizing presence of Damyean Dotson, who has found his footing in recent wins. Despite their dominance in the all-time series (5–1), Ryukyu must contend with Meralco’s revamped lineup and the unpredictability it brings.

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HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

An EASL Finals place is on the line when the Meralco Bolts and Ryukyu Golden Kings meet.

But what does each team actually need to do to book a ticket to Macau? And how do these two match up right now?

Swipe for the qualification… pic.twitter.com/hbfmlrMzSM

— East Asia Super League (@EASLofficial) February 6, 2026

The EASL’s tiebreaker system adds a layer of drama. If Meralco wins by six points, the Bolts’ point differential in games among the tied teams moves from –10 to –4, overtaking Ryukyu’s –5 and securing a spot in the Final Four. Any smaller margin, and the Golden Kings advance.

For Ryukyu, a win seals the No. 1 seed in Group B, while a narrow loss under six points still guarantees the No. 2 spot. The math is clear, but the pressure of a single game, amplified by history and circumstance, makes this more than a numbers exercise—it’s a test of resilience, poise, and execution.

As the Bolts prepare for the Smart Araneta Coliseum tipoff, every possession, defensive rotation, and clutch shot will carry monumental weight. Can Meralco overcome injuries, integrate new teammates, and seize an unprecedented milestone? Or will Ryukyu’s consistent core close out the regular season on top?

When the buzzer sounds, one team will have written a new chapter in EASL history—and Meralco has its sights set firmly on being that team.

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