MANILA, Philippines — Meralco’s bid to barge into the EASL playoffs is in peril after suffering two road losses in a row but there’s hope in the horizon as the Bolts play their last four elimination games at home, starting with Saturday’s rematch against Chinese-Taipei’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said it’s been a tough grind for the Bolts who’re also playing in the PBA Philippine Cup. Since losing to Ryukyu last Oct. 22, Meralco has lost to NLEX and TNT in the PBA within four days. Then came the setback to Taoyuan last Sunday with active coaching consultant Nenad Vucinic ejected on two technicals.
“We’re representing not just Meralco but also 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).”