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Monday, Jun 16, 2025
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Meralco Defeats Utsunomiya Brex in Basketball Champions League Asia
Meralco secures a vital victory over Japan's B.League champion, enhancing their playoff prospects in Dubai.
In a significant match in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Asia, Meralco secured a 97-86 victory against Japan's B.League champions, Utsunomiya Brex, at Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall in Dubai on June 8. This win allows Meralco to maintain their hopes of advancing to the playoffs following a challenging opening day loss to Shabab Al Ahli.
The Bolts showcased an impressive performance, led by a strong offensive trio.
Chris Banchero, along with imports Glynn Watson and Jordon Varnado, effectively dismantled the Utsunomiya defense.
Varnado contributed significantly, nearly achieving a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Banchero and Watson also scored 17 points each, while Cliff Hodge added 16 points to the tally.
John Egbunu, another import for Meralco, made a notable impact, recording a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Meralco established a solid lead, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the first half and ensuring they did not falter in the second half, a contrast to their earlier performance against Shabab Al Ahli.
This victory concluded the group phase for Meralco with a record of 1-1, improving their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals.
Meralco's team consultant, Nenad Vucinic, who stepped in to fill the head coaching role for this tournament, commended the team's performance against a formidable opponent.
He acknowledged their strong effort given the challenging circumstances they faced.
For Utsunomiya Brex, Isaac Fotu led the scoring with 20 points, while fellow imports Finn Delany and DJ Newbill contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Japanese veteran Makoto Hiejima also added 11 points to the Brex's efforts in the match.
The Bolts showcased an impressive performance, led by a strong offensive trio.
Chris Banchero, along with imports Glynn Watson and Jordon Varnado, effectively dismantled the Utsunomiya defense.
Varnado contributed significantly, nearly achieving a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Banchero and Watson also scored 17 points each, while Cliff Hodge added 16 points to the tally.
John Egbunu, another import for Meralco, made a notable impact, recording a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Meralco established a solid lead, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the first half and ensuring they did not falter in the second half, a contrast to their earlier performance against Shabab Al Ahli.
This victory concluded the group phase for Meralco with a record of 1-1, improving their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals.
Meralco's team consultant, Nenad Vucinic, who stepped in to fill the head coaching role for this tournament, commended the team's performance against a formidable opponent.
He acknowledged their strong effort given the challenging circumstances they faced.
For Utsunomiya Brex, Isaac Fotu led the scoring with 20 points, while fellow imports Finn Delany and DJ Newbill contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Japanese veteran Makoto Hiejima also added 11 points to the Brex's efforts in the match.
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