Meralco Bolts secure knockout spot with 97-86 win over Utsunomiya Brex in Basketball Champions League Asia 2025

The Meralco Bolts bounced back from their loss to Dubai-based Shabab Al Ahli in the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia by defeating newly crowned Japan B.League champion Utsunomiya Brex, 97–86, at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall on Sunday, June 8.

The Bolts, reigning Philippine Cup champions, displayed grit and grind on defense after running out of steam against Deshawndre Washington, who finished with 40 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals while shooting 10-of-18 from deep (56%) in their loss to Shabab Al Ahli.

“They gave us a lot of problems. They shot the ball extremely well from the three-point line and did well in transition, which was partially our fault. It was difficult for us to get some cohesion because three players had just recently joined us. At the moment, we are playing in the Philippines without any foreign players. We have three good players, but it’s very hard to build cohesion. We are hoping that, as the tournament goes on, we are going to get better,” said coach Vucinic.

Meralco defeats B.League champion Utsunomiya Brex, 97-86, in the Bolts’ final game of the group stage, virtually clinching a spot in the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League Asia.

: FIBA pic.twitter.com/y1L3Gdst1O

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) June 8, 2025

That Meralco did not fold despite playing a second game in less than 24 hours showed just how determined their players were to win on the night. Chris Banchero, Jordan Varnado, and Glynn Watson scored 17 points each, while Cliff Hodge added 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Nigerian import John Egbunu continued his impressive form by recording his second consecutive double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

The victory ensured Meralco clinched a place in the knockout stages of the Basketball Champions League Asia, although one game remains in Group B between Shabab Al Ahli and Utsunomiya Brex.

As it stands, eight teams will progress to the knockout stage based on their group stage records. Meralco makes it to the top eight, especially as Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) champion Zhejiang Guangsha Lions were eliminated after going winless in their first two games in Group A.

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