Meralco breaks through at home, Sina Vahedi shines in first EASL victory over Taoyuan

The lights at the Capital Arena burned bright again for the Meralco Bolts — and this time, a new name shone the brightest.

Sina Vahedi, the 24-year-old Iranian playmaker, announced his arrival in the East Asia Super League (EASL) with a performance that electrified Ilagan, Isabela. With precision, poise, and flair, Vahedi powered Meralco to its first win of the season, an 85–76 statement over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on Saturday night.

Vahedi, the starting point guard of Iran’s national team, looked every bit the gem Meralco hoped he’d be — finishing with 22 points, seven assists, and two rebounds in a commanding display of leadership and control.

“It was the duo of Romero and Vahedi who presided over the hot start by the Bolts,” said coach Luigi Trillo, describing the tone-setting burst that had Meralco racing to an early 11–2 lead and a 43–30 cushion by halftime. 

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BOLTS ON THE BOARD!

The Meralco Bolts get their first dub of the season and even up the season series against the Taoyuan Pilots!

Sina Vahedi was everywhere tonight and had a stellar debut for the PBA representatives!#EASL #YourGame #MERvsTYP pic.twitter.com/bcjg9luOLs

— East Asia Super League (@EASLofficial) November 8, 2025

Ismael Romero, ever the steady force, matched Vahedi’s scoring output with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 10 boards, and seven assists. 

Chris Newsome added 14 points, including a dagger three that stretched Meralco’s lead to 64–42, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

And in a long-awaited return, Ange Kouame — stepping in for the recovering Justin Brownlee — chipped in three points and four rebounds in his first game back with the Bolts.

The night also marked a small redemption arc. Just a week ago, the same Taoyuan squad handed Meralco a bitter loss in Taipei.

 This time, however, the Bolts flipped the script. Alec Brown, who torched them before, was limited to only nine points and seven rebounds, while the rest of the Pilots struggled to regain rhythm.

Setric Millner led Taoyuan with 19 points and seven boards, while Chun-Hsiang Lu tallied 17. Import William Artino posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, but their efforts couldn’t prevent the Pilots from absorbing their first defeat of the season (2–1).

For Meralco, the victory wasn’t just a win — it was a revival. From 0–2, the Bolts have climbed to 1–2, now breathing new life into their playoff bid in Group B, just half a game behind the Ryukyu Golden Kings (1–1).

With a calm hand and fiery heart, Vahedi may have just unlocked a new dimension for the Bolts — one where Meralco’s trademark grit now has a spark of Iranian brilliance leading the charge.

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