By REYNALD MAGALLON
Meralco is hoping to carry over its hot streak in the PBA to the East Asia Super League when it locks horns against the Ryukyu Golden Kings on the road Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Okinawa Suntory Arena.
Though playing their fourth game in a span of a week, the Bolts all all charged up as they seek a winning start to their third year in the regional league.
Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino, the two players who spearheaded Meralco’s three-game winning streak in the PBA, are expected to once again be at the forefront of the attack, although this time they will be joined by reliable reinforcements.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who carried TNT to two championships in the PBA last season, will now be donning the blue and orange jersey to help Meralco in its bid to finally advance to the Final Four of the EASL.
Big man Ismael Romero will also man the paint alongside Brandon Bates and Raymond Almazan.
“Sana that might be a good omen moving to Okinawa,” said coach Luigi Trillo, whose team took down the previously undefeated Magnolia, 78-76, to cap their three games in a six-day schedule and get the much-needed momentum heading into Okinawa.
“This is a testament to the team’s character. And it would be nice to get one more win as we move to Okinawa,” he added.
Meralco could have been much better though if not for Justin Brownlee not making it on time to join the team. The Ginebra resident import, who was on loan for Meralco for the EASL campaign, is part of the lineup though he has yet to join the team.
Ryukyu, on the other hand, is also searching for its first win in the tournament after absorbing a 94-80 beating at the hands of Taoyuan Pilots.
