Justin Brownlee set to make EASL debut with Meralco as Bolts gear up for Macau rematch

Meralco is set to inject new energy into its EASL campaign this Saturday in Ilagan, Isabela, as Justin Brownlee finally joins forces with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for the first time this season in the home-and-away clash against the Macau Black Bears.

The EASL made the official announcement on Tuesday, signaling a highly anticipated reunion for the Bolts. “Four days from now, the rematch tips off – and this time, the Bolts are recharged by the EASL debut of Justin Brownlee,” the league said in a statement.

Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed that the 37-year-old Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player will finally suit up for the Bolts after missing the first four EASL games due to an illness. 

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JB IS FINALLY HERE

Justin Brownlee met with Meralco officials, confirming that he is set to suit up for the Bolts soon in their 2025–26 East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign.#EASL #YourGame

Facebook | Meralco Bolts pic.twitter.com/SgJaiXP0yD

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) November 20, 2025

Brownlee had previously been given time to recover following back-to-back appearances for the national team in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Guam.

“He’ll have a practice or two with coach Nenad Vucinic before the Dec. 6 meeting with the returning Black Bears,” Trillo added, ensuring the Bolts’ lineup is fine-tuned for the rematch.

Meralco dominated the first encounter with Macau on Nov. 15 at the Cebu Coliseum, posting a convincing 92-74 victory without Brownlee. 

During that game, fellow naturalized player Ange Kouame combined with Hollis-Jefferson and import Ismael Romero, while Asian reinforcement Sina Vahedi also contributed. Vahedi will rejoin the team after representing Iran in the recently concluded FIBA qualifiers.

The Bolts currently sit at a 2-2 record, second in Group B behind Taoyuan Pilots (2-1), and the return of Brownlee promises to add a crucial boost to their EASL push.

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