MERALCO tries to stay afloat in the race for a Final Four berth in the EASL Home And Away Season 2 as it hosts the Ryukyu Golden Kings Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.
The Bolts and Golden Kings squared off at 8:10 p.m., with the home team looking to avenge a close 77-74 loss to the Japan B. League side last October in Okinawa.
But more importantly, a win by Meralco (2-2) will give it a shot of remaining alive for the last Final Four berth in Group B.
Ryukyu (4-1) already clinched the first semis berth in its bracket, but is also looking for a repeat against the Bolts to assure it of the No. 1 spot in the same group.
We're excited. We've learned a lot from last year. We're very proud to do it, and we know we can do it," said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.
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Macau Black Bears currently occupy second place with an even 3-3 slate, while Jeremy Lin and the New Taipei Kings are tied with Meralco at 2-2.
The Bolts will still have a one game remaining after Ryukyu as they tangle with the Kings in Taipei on Feb. 12.
Trillo believes the road game will be a make-or-break for the team as it tries to become the first from the PBA to advance in the EASL Final Four since the league adopted its Home And Away format last year.
The Final Four is set in Macau on March 7-9.
"We have to take care of business against Ryukyu, but I think it will come down in the game against Taipei," he said, adding the Bolts have a +10 quotient against the Macau Black Bears owing to their 97-85 win over the same team during the opener last October.
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"So we're getting the guys ready."(RG)
