Meralco battles Macau as Cebu Coliseum hosts EASL match

Sports

FOR the first time since it underwent a multi-million renovation, the Cebu Coliseum will be hosting a major sporting event with an international flavor.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) goes to the Queen City of the South with the Meralco Bolts battling the Macau Bears on Nov. 15 at the newly refurbished venue on Sanciangko Street in Cebu City.

More than trying to boost their campaign, Meralco and Macau will be playing with special purpose as proceeds of the match will be donated to the victims of Typhoon Tino, which battered Metro Cebu last Nov. 4.

The match will be held in partnership with the Cebu City government. Tickets are already available at SM Tickets, the league announced.

The Meralco-Macau duel is a Group B elimination round match.

Representing the Philippine Basketball Associaiton in the EASL, the Bolts currently hold a 1–2 (win-loss) record–good for third place in Group B.

The Bolts started the tournament with back-to-back losses before finally baring into the win column by scoring an 85–76 victory over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots last Nov. 8 at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Iranian point guard Vahedi Mohammadsina and Puerto Rican bigman Ismael Romero joined forces in the win as the two Meralco reinforcements scored 22 points apiece.

Mohammadsina also had seven assists, and a steal, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field (8-of-16). It was a double-double game for Romero as he also collared 14 rebounds.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris Newsome added 15 and 14 points, respectively, in the much-needd win.

The Black Bears are making their season debut. They will be led by Phoenix Shackelford, Lao Chong Pong, Omari Peek-Green, Torrence Watson, and Damian Chong Qui.(CCM)