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The Meralco Bolts are on a roll in the EASL Home and Away Season 3, notching their second straight win with a 92-74 victory over the debuting Macau Black Bears at the newly refurbished Cebu Coliseum last Saturday night.

Imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero spearheaded the second-quarter breakaway for the Bolts before the rest of the team joined in to secure the 18-point winning margin. Romero delivered a massive double-double with 25 points and 28 rebounds, while Hollis-Jefferson finished with a game-high 34 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, thrilling the Cebuano crowd with three thunderous dunks.

It was Meralco’s second straight home win in a week, evening their Group B record at 2-2 behind the Taoyuan Pilots (2-1) and the Ryukyu Golden Kings (1-1). The Bolts had earlier defeated the Pilots, 82-72, at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Chris Banchero led the locals with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Asian import Sina Vahedi added 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

For Macau, Damian Chongqui had 25 points, with Omari Peek-Green and Jalon Demarco Miller adding 14 apiece in the Black Bears’ season debut.

Proceeds from the EASL game will be donated to Typhoon Tino victims in Cebu, with Meralco also raising P500,000 for the cause.

EASL senior vice president Dominic Tang announced the league’s relief commitment, underscoring basketball’s power to unite and uplift communities in times of need.

The scores

Meralco (92)—Hollis-Jefferson 34, Romero 25, Banchero 12, Vahedi 10, Newsome 7, Quinto 2, Hodge 2, Caram 0, Kouame 0.

Macau (74)—Chongqui 25, Peek-Green 14, Miller 14, Ye 13, Shackelford 8, Guo 0, Liu 0, Cao 0, Lao 0.

Quarter scores: 25-24, 48-38, 65-52, and 92-74.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has upheld Meralco’s 85-76 victory over the Taoyuan Pilots in their match held last Saturday in Ilagan, Isabela, even as the Bolts offered to replay the game in the spirit of sportsmanship.

Under EASL rules, each team may enlist two world imports, one naturalized player, and one Asian heritage recruit—but only three of them can be on the court at the same time. A misunderstanding of this rule led to Meralco fielding four imports simultaneously for a total of over 9 minutes. EASL records show Meralco outscored Taoyuan 22-15 during that stretch.

EASL CEO Henry Kerins stated the incident was unintentional and did not significantly impact the outcome. Both teams acknowledged the oversight, and Taoyuan accepted the result. EASL requested FIBA not to assign the same game commissioner to future matches to ensure stricter enforcement of the rule.

In addition, Meralco received penalties for other violations: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was fined $2,000 for skipping pre- and post-game interviews, while coach Nenad Vucinic was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike gestures, with a warning of future suspension.

With the ruling, Meralco’s EASL record stands at 1-2. The Bolts next face the Macau Black Bears on Saturday at the Cebu Coliseum, with all ticket proceeds going to disaster relief for Cebu and nearby provinces.

The Black Bears, making their season debut, will be led by Damian Chong Qui, supported by Omar Peek Green, Torrance Watson, and Phoenix Shackelford.

The Meralco Bolts aim to sustain their early momentum and secure a second consecutive win as they take on the visiting Macau Black Bears in the continuation of the 2025 East Asia Super League (EASL) this Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Fresh off their 85-76 triumph over the Taoyuan Pilots in Ilagan, Isabela, the Bolts are brimming with confidence as they return to action—this time in front of Cebuano fans eager to witness top-tier regional basketball.

The matchup will also serve as the season debut for the Macau Black Bears, who are looking to make a strong first impression against a Meralco squad that has shown early signs of cohesion under coach Nenad Vucinic and deputy Luigi Trillo.

Adding depth to Meralco’s roster are their reliable imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero, alongside naturalized player Ange Kouame and Asian import Sina Vahedi of Iran. Their chemistry will be key as they look to impose their pace and defensive discipline against the dynamic, fast-paced style of the Black Bears.

Beyond the competition, the Cebu showdown will also carry a deeper purpose, as the EASL announced that all ticket proceeds will be donated to victims of Typhoon Tino, which recently struck parts of Cebu and nearby provinces.

With pride, purpose, and playoff positioning at stake, Meralco will try to electrify once more—this time, in the Queen City of the South.

Meralco Bolt’s 85-76 victory over the Taoyuan Pilots in the East Asia Super League (EASL) might be overturned after the Taiwanese squad formally filed a protest, claiming the Bolts fielded four imports simultaneously—a violation of FIBA’s two-import rule for the regional league.

The Bolts had Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Ismael Romero, Ange Kouame, and Sina Vahedi on the floor together during one stretch of the second quarter, according to Pilots coach Lurgi Caminos.

Despite the issue, Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said they’ll respect whatever decision the EASL hands down, emphasizing that the team played “with pride and honor.”

“We played with honor. We’re good soldiers. Reputation-wise, we’re one of the most honorable teams in the PBA,” Trillo said.

The EASL has yet to release an official ruling on the protest.

Meralco’s bid to make the East Asia Super League (EASL) playoffs is hanging in the balance after two consecutive road losses — but there’s renewed hope as the Bolts return home for their final four elimination games, starting with Saturday’s rematch against Chinese-Taipei’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Head coach Luigi Trillo admitted it’s been a challenging stretch for Meralco, which is also juggling its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup. Since bowing to Ryukyu on Oct. 22, the Bolts have dropped back-to-back PBA games to NLEX and TNT, followed by a setback against Taoyuan last Sunday, where active coaching consultant Nenad Vucinic was ejected after two technical fouls.

“We’re representing not just Meralco but also the PBA and our country, and we’re doing our best under the circumstances,” said Trillo. “CJ (Cansino) couldn’t play in our second EASL game because of a bad sprain and we’re still waiting for JB (Justin Brownlee).”

Under EASL rules, teams may enlist two world imports, a naturalized player, and an Asian heritage import. If Brownlee remains unavailable, Ange Kouame will take his place on Saturday. 

Kouame, however, is coming off a six-week layoff and only returned to practice this week. The good news: Asian heritage import Sina Vahedi is now in town and set to play in the Bolts’ next four EASL outings.

Trillo confirmed that Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero will continue to anchor Meralco’s import lineup. For the Taoyuan Pilots, key players to watch include 7’1” former Phoenix Suns draftee Alec Brown, 6’11” naturalized player Will Artino, 6’7” forward Setric Millner, and national standout Lu Chun Hsiang, who’s averaging 19 points per game.

Following Saturday’s clash, Meralco will host Macau on Nov. 15, the Black Bears rematch on Dec. 6, and Ryukyu on Feb. 11—all at the Capital Arena. 

The top two teams in Meralco’s group of four will advance to the Round of Six playoffs in March.

The Bolts will return to PBA action against Terrafirma on Dec. 10.

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.

Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.

Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”

The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.

“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.

After an impressive showing against Gilas Pilipinas, the Macau Black Bears are aiming to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as a guest team.

Fresh from their competitive Gilas send-off game, the Black Bears have formally expressed interest in participating as a guest squad for one or two conferences in the PBA’s upcoming 50th season. 

In a letter to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Black Bears president of basketball operations Lukas Peng emphasized their commitment to building a highly competitive, professionally managed team that will proudly represent Macau and its vibrant Filipino community, while expanding the PBA’s reach in Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Commissioner Marcial responded positively, confirming that discussions will soon begin to explore the partnership. He also met with Black Bears general manager Kevin Connelly, who is responsible for team operations and is the brother of NBA Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly.

As part of their proposal, Peng requested special consideration for player eligibility, asking the PBA to allow players from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to register as locals under a "Greater China Rule." He also cited precedent from the Bay Area Dragons, who fielded players of documented Chinese heritage as locals, and inquired about the eligibility of Filipino and EASL-registered players to play as locals for the Black Bears.

While no formal agreement has been reached yet, the potential entry of the Macau Black Bears—a familiar name in the ASEAN Basketball League—could be a major step in the PBA’s push for greater international relevance. If approved, the Black Bears would follow the path of the Bay Area Dragons, who became the PBA’s first foreign guest team in nearly two decades and reached the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup finals.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are set to launch Future Champions Philippines this September, a program aimed at young basketball enthusiasts across the country.

Under the EASL Future Champions Philippines program, the initiative promotes high-quality basketball training and elite-level competition, offering young players meaningful community engagement and opportunities for success not only in national competitions but also on the international stage.

This marks a significant step by SBP in focusing on youth development in Philippine basketball.

The EASL Future Champions initiative consists of two main components:

1. Grassroots Program

This will focus on talent development camps and community outreach, strengthening the foundation of basketball starting at the youngest levels.

2. Elite Program

Launching in March 2026, this will become the premier youth performance program across Asia. Selected athletes will receive world-class coaching, international exposure, and continuous career development support.

The goal of both programs is to provide a structured pathway for young Asian players to find basketball opportunities both within and beyond the ASEAN region.

Through this initiative, SBP aligns itself with the EASL’s mission—a mission that is also recognized and supported by FIBA at all levels of basketball, from grassroots development to the national team.

According to Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL, SBP is fully committed to developing young talent and providing them with leadership experiences that foster both personal growth and basketball skills.

“SBP brings the leadership, experience, and infrastructure to make EASL Future Champions the premium youth development program in the Philippines,” said Kerins.

He added that EASL leadership is proud of SBP’s initiative and willingness to collaborate for the benefit of Filipino youth.

“We’re proud to be working alongside them to build something that can create real impact,” Kerins added.

Meanwhile, SBP President Al Panlilio emphasized that EASL’s vision for Filipino youth aligns closely with SBP’s goals for nurturing the next generation of basketball players.

“EASL’s vision matches our commitment to the next generation. We’re excited to help shape the future of grassroots basketball together,” said Panlilio.

Currently, the Philippines is the first country in the region to be part of the EASL Future Champions initiative. Macau and Hong Kong are set to follow, as EASL continues its efforts to raise the level of youth basketball across Asia.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has officially confirmed its 12th team for the 2025–26 season—Japan’s 2025 Emperor’s Cup champion. This move marks a historic moment for Japanese basketball, as it will be the first time three B.LEAGUE clubs participate in a single EASL campaign.

This special inclusion also honors the 100th anniversary of the Emperor’s Cup, adding both prestige and competitive depth to the EASL lineup.

Since the league's inaugural 2023–24 season, B.LEAGUE teams have proven dominant, boasting a combined 23–7 record and clinching back-to-back championships. This expansion not only highlights Japan’s growing influence in Asian basketball but also strengthens the EASL’s commitment to showcasing the region’s top talent.

Henry Kerins, CEO of East Asia Super League, said the growth of Japanese basketball is truly remarkable, and the EASL will continue to elevate its standing in order to deliver even more competitive and thrilling action for fans.

If there's a basketball referee today who belongs to the elite ranks of FIBA, it is none other than Filipino referee Glenn Cornelio.

One of Cornelio's greatest aspirations is to officiate in the FIBA World Cup. Currently, he holds a FIBA Black License, allowing him to officiate both men's and women's competitions.

He was also part of the recently concluded East Asia Super League (EASL) championship finals in Macau.

Aside from Cornelio, five other Filipino referees are accredited by FIBA—Totie Celeste, Aaron Canete, Harry Santos, Ralph Moreto, and Christian Penaojas. However, Cornelio is the only one recognized at the elite level for the 2023-25 cycle.

“My goal is to officiate in the World Cup’s main competition. In the last World Cup, I was only a reserve referee,” Cornelio said.

For Cornelio, being a basketball referee is no easy task. He believes that referees must always be ready, well-prepared, and highly knowledgeable about the rules, while also maintaining top physical condition.

"Readiness and preparedness in terms of rule knowledge and physical conditioning should always be a referee’s mindset. Our motto is ‘learning never stops’ because basketball is constantly evolving and improving. Referees must continue studying to stay updated. Basketball knowledge and refereeing expertise should go hand in hand,” he added.

Cornelio began his officiating career in 2002 during his third year in college. He later advanced to officiate in prestigious leagues such as the UAAP, NCAA, FilOil, Liga Pilipinas, PBA, and FIBA.

His international experience includes officiating in the SEA Games (twice), FIBA Asia and World Cup qualifiers, the FIBA Asia Cup, BCL, WASL, ABL, EASL Final Four (twice), EASL Terrific 12, PBA 3x3 and 5x5, and the FIBA U19 World Cup.

Cornelio’s journey serves as an inspiration to fellow Filipino referees who aspire to reach the highest levels of the profession.

During the East Asia Super League (EASL) battle between the Meralco Bolts and the Ryukyu Golden Kings, where the latter won, 89-71, on Wednesday night, January 22, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, one name stood out – it’s Chris Newsome.

In a post-game interview, Ryukyu head coach Dai Oketani said that Meralco is a great team with great players, especially Newsome.

“He is really, really, a good player. It was really difficult for us to stop him,” said Oketani.

The Ryukyu Golden Kings secured the B1 seed in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 season after defeating their rivals, Meralco Bolts, 89-71, on Wednesday night, January 22, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Ryukyu had a 12-4 start before Meralco made their run to get a 22-16 lead, but the Golden Kings regained the lead before the end of the first quarter to post a slim 23-22 advantage.

In the second frame, it was another see-saw battle between the two squads until Ryuku brought a 50-41 edge at the half.

Golden Kings team captain Victor Law already produced 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal going to the break.

Keve Aluma poured eight of his total 18 markers to lead the Ryuku's third quarter dominance and brought a 19-point lead entering the fourth, 75-56.

Meralco had multiple runs in the final period, which delighted the spectators in the venue, but the Golden Kings always had an answer that led them to the victory.

Law was named Player of the Game as he finished with 20 points, eight boards, five dimes and two deflections. He also shot 5-of-8 from the two-point area, 2-of-6 triples, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the line.

Alex Kirk added 19 points and eight rebounds for Ryukyu, while Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki and Ryuichi Kishimoto scored 12 apiece.

The Final Four of the East Asia Super League (EASL) will be held in Macau SAR for the first time on March 7-9 at Melco Resorts Entertainment’s Studio City Event Center.

It will also mark the second Final Four of EASL using the home-and-away season format that was introduced in the previous season.

"Asia’s best teams will battle it out in EASL’s Final Four 2025, right here in Macau,” Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins said. “This is the Champions League of Asian basketball with outstanding talent, prime-time action, and unmatched energy. It doesn’t get better than this.”

Two teams coming from Japan's B. League already secured spots in the Final Four - The Ryuku Golden Kings clinched it first when they defeated the New Taipei Kings, 82-74, on Christmas Day, while the Hiroshima Dragonflies dominated the San Miguel Beermen on January 8.

The Hiroshima Dragonflies became the second team to qualify in the East Asia Super League's Final Four after defeating the winless San Miguel Beermen, 94-63, at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza on Wednesday night, January 8.

Hiroshima joined their B.League rivals, Ryuku Golden Kings, as the only teams assured of a playoff spot.

The win of the Dragonflies also put the Beermen out of contention in the next round.

Kerry Blackshear Jr. was instrumental to the win as he delivered 12 points, 15 boards, nine assists, and three steals to lead Hiroshima's cause.

Nick Mayo led the Japanese team in scoring with his 18 points. He also added eight rebounds and two assists to his output, while Keijiro Mitani also put up 18 markers with three steals.

On the other hand, SMB import Torren Jones led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo added 12 markers and nine boards.

Quincy Miller has the possibility of playing in the PBA once again, as he is considered by the San Miguel Beermen to be their import in the upcoming Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.

Miller is currently playing for SMB as one of the two reinforcements in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Home and Away Season 2.

San Miguel deputy Peter Martin said that they are considering bringing in the 31-year-old in the mid-season conference to help them defend their title, but there's no assurance yet.

"Maybe, maybe not," said Martin of Miller's status.

In their EASL loss to the Taoyuan Pilots last Wednesday, November 13, at the Philsports Arena, Miller showed brilliance by delivering 32 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

The numbers he provided were far from the first time he suited up for the Beermen when they lost against Suwon KT Sonicboom in the opener of the regional tournament a month ago.

Miller only chipped in eight markers on 2-of-12 shooting from the field during the loss.

And his redeeming performance last Wednesday caught the attention of the San Miguel coaching staff.

Meralco Bolts secured their second home win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 on Wednesday night, November 13, when they narrowly defeated the Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, at the Philsports Arena.

Akil Mitchell, who replaced the recently retired Allen Durham as one of Meralco's reinforcements in the tournament, led the Bolts to victory with his 33 points punctuated by his split free throws in the final 6.4 seconds that eventually sealed the game. He also grabbed 22 rebounds in their come from behind victory.

Mitchell, who will also play for Meralco as their Commissioner's Cup import, boosted the team to a 2-1 win-loss record.

The other reinforcement of the Bolts, DJ Kennedy added 14, to go along eight boards, five assists, and two steals for the squad, while team captain Chris Newsome scored eight before fouling out in the crucial minutes of the fourth quarter.