Bolts snap skid, defeat Eastern to start 2025 strong.

Bolts Reignite Their Campaign

After enduring a tough stretch to close 2024, the Meralco Bolts are back on track, starting 2025 with a victory and a healthier roster. With most key players returning to action and a morale-boosting win under their belt, the Bolts are poised to regain their rhythm and make a strong push in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Head coach Luigi Trillo highlighted the importance of having the team back at full strength, especially after a challenging stretch where injuries had limited the squad’s effectiveness. “It’s crucial for us to have our players back so they can start getting into rhythm,” Trillo emphasized after the Bolts’ hard-fought 88-83 victory over Eastern on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For Trillo, the return of key players meant more than just a physical boost; it was about restoring the team’s cohesiveness and improving their chemistry on the court.

The victory not only ended Meralco’s two-game losing streak but also provided a much-needed spark for the squad, lifting their record to 4-2 midway through the elimination round of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The win was particularly significant as it came during the resumption of the midseason conference, where every game is crucial for positioning in the playoffs.

With several key players, including Chris Banchero, Brandon Bates, Raymond Almazan, and rookie CJ Cansino, returning to action, the Bolts were able to finally showcase the depth and talent that had been missing during their struggles. The triumph over Eastern was a testament to the resilience and determination of the team, and it was clear that their regained strength would be instrumental in their efforts to finish the elimination round strong. Trillo’s focus now is on helping the players regain their rhythm and building upon this momentum for the crucial games ahead.

Mitchell Leads the Charge

Import Akil Mitchell played a pivotal role in Meralco’s victory, putting up a remarkable stat line of 31 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and seven steals. His all-around performance was nothing short of exceptional, serving as the foundation for the team’s success in what proved to be a fiercely contested match. Mitchell’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets — scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense — helped ensure the Bolts held their ground and ultimately secured the win over Eastern.

The game was particularly intense as Mitchell went head-to-head with Eastern’s own import, Chris McLaughlin, who was equally impressive with 28 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks. McLaughlin’s dominant presence in the paint and on the boards made it clear that this was a matchup between two formidable imports, with both players showcasing their skills at the highest level. Despite McLaughlin’s efforts to carry Eastern, it was Mitchell’s consistency and poise under pressure that made the difference for Meralco.

Mitchell’s return to form was a significant turning point for the Bolts, especially after a challenging period where he had been sidelined due to a broken nose. The injury had forced him to miss games and wear a protective mask, which understandably affected his performance. However, in this game, he appeared to be fully recovered and ready to contribute in a way that has become essential for Meralco’s success. His strong performance demonstrated not only his physical recovery but also his mental resilience, as he had to adjust to playing with the mask while staying aggressive and focused on his game.

His leadership on both ends of the floor — particularly with his steals and defensive presence — was instrumental in neutralizing Eastern’s late-game efforts and securing the Bolts’ victory. Mitchell’s return to peak form represents a major boost for Meralco as they move forward in the tournament, with his versatility and skill set making him a central figure in their quest for success in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Mitchell’s standout performance in the victory over Eastern has put him in the spotlight as a crucial piece for Meralco moving forward, especially with the challenging schedule that lies ahead. The Bolts are about to face a series of tough opponents, including TNT’s versatile and dynamic Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Phoenix’s powerful and physically imposing Donovan Smith. Both players bring their own unique skill sets that will test Meralco’s defense and overall team strategy. Hollis-Jefferson is known for his ability to score, rebound, and facilitate, making him a constant threat on the court. On the other hand, Smith’s size and strength pose a significant challenge in the paint, especially for a team like Meralco that relies on both speed and physicality.

“Every game this week is going to be tough,” head coach Luigi Trillo acknowledged, highlighting the demanding nature of the upcoming contests. Trillo’s statement reflects the understanding that these games will be pivotal for the Bolts in terms of their standing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The competition will only intensify, and the stakes will rise as the team moves closer to the latter stages of the elimination round. However, despite the tough matchups, Trillo also recognized that the holiday break provided an unexpected advantage for the team.

The time off allowed the players, particularly Mitchell, to rest and recover, ensuring that they returned to action at full strength. Mitchell had been playing through the discomfort of a broken nose and the challenges of wearing a protective mask, but the break gave him the opportunity to heal physically and regain his sharpness. “The break was much-needed, especially for Akil,” Trillo shared. “It gave him the time to rest and come back stronger.” With Mitchell now in top shape, his ability to perform at a high level will be a key factor in how Meralco handles this difficult stretch. His leadership and all-around game will be crucial in matching up with opponents of the caliber of Hollis-Jefferson and Smith.

As the team heads into this challenging series of games, the Bolts are hoping that Mitchell’s renewed energy and form will spark the rest of the squad to rise to the occasion. With the holiday break behind them, they are now focused on building momentum and maintaining the sharpness needed to compete with some of the best teams in the league. The next few games will be a true test for Meralco, and Mitchell’s contributions will be pivotal in how they navigate this challenging stretch of the season.

Overcoming a Rough Finish

The Bolts’ conclusion to 2024 was a disappointing one, marred by a series of losses that left them reeling heading into the new year. Their first setback came against the Blackwater Bossing, a team that had been struggling throughout the season. Despite Blackwater’s poor form, Meralco found themselves on the losing end, unable to capitalize on the opportunity to secure a much-needed win. The loss was a blow to the Bolts, who had hoped to close out the year on a positive note, but instead, it marked the beginning of a troubling stretch for the team.

Things didn’t get any better on Christmas Day, as Meralco suffered another defeat, this time at the hands of the Converge FiberXers. The loss to Converge was particularly hard-fought, with Meralco failing to keep pace with a team that was hitting on all cylinders. For the Bolts, it was a frustrating game that highlighted their inability to execute when it mattered most. The timing of the defeat added to the disappointment, as Christmas Day games are always seen as special occasions, and a victory would have provided a much-needed morale boost during the festive period.

These back-to-back losses were compounded by an earlier collapse in the East Asia Super League against Busan KGC Egis, a team Meralco had hoped to compete with on the international stage. That defeat was particularly frustrating as it exposed some of the weaknesses that had been affecting the team, from communication lapses to struggles in maintaining focus during critical moments. The loss in the international competition only added to the growing sense of disappointment surrounding the Bolts, as they found themselves unable to perform at the level, they were capable of, both domestically and internationally.

Injuries played a significant role in Meralco’s struggles during this period, further exacerbating their troubles. Key players were sidelined, and the team’s rotation was severely impacted, preventing the Bolts from finding any real rhythm. Players like Akil Mitchell were forced to play through injuries, and several other team members were also dealing with their own health issues. The lack of depth and consistency due to these injuries hindered their ability to execute game plans effectively, resulting in an unfortunate series of defeats.

These challenges highlighted the difficult period Meralco was enduring, but the team remained hopeful that they could turn things around. Despite the tough losses, the Bolts were determined to use the adversity as motivation to come back stronger in 2025. With the injuries slowly clearing up and key players returning to the lineup, the team was optimistic that they could regain their form and build on their potential for a strong second half of the season. The setbacks of 2024 were seen as just that — setbacks — and the Bolts were ready to leave them behind as they looked ahead to better days in the new year.

Now, with the much-anticipated return of key players such as Chris Banchero, Brandon Bates, Raymond Almazan, and rookie CJ Cansino, the Meralco Bolts are on the brink of regaining their full strength, a significant development for a team that had been struggling with injuries during the early part of the season. These returning players bring much-needed depth and versatility, providing head coach Luigi Trillo with a broader range of options and the ability to rotate fresh legs throughout the course of the game. Their presence on the court has injected a renewed sense of energy into the team, boosting the overall morale and raising expectations for the second half of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Banchero’s leadership and playmaking abilities are especially crucial for the Bolts. Known for his poise and decision-making, Banchero adds an experienced and reliable presence to Meralco’s backcourt, something the team was missing during his absence. His ability to orchestrate the offense and distribute the ball efficiently will be invaluable, especially as the team prepares for tougher matchups in the coming weeks. Brandon Bates, a solid defender and reliable scorer, strengthens the frontcourt, bringing much-needed physicality and a scoring option when needed. Bates’ return gives Meralco the added flexibility to experiment with different lineups and matchups against varying types of opponents.

Raymond Almazan’s return has also been a significant boost. Almazan’s defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and veteran presence on the floor make him an essential piece for Meralco’s frontline. His experience and leadership, both on and off the court, provide the Bolts with stability and confidence as they work to regain their winning form. Meanwhile, rookie CJ Cansino, who has shown flashes of brilliance, adds youthful energy to the team. His hustle, athleticism, and potential have been evident since his debut, and he brings a much-needed spark, especially on defense and transition plays.

The addition of these players has not only improved the team’s depth but has also given Meralco a renewed sense of optimism and confidence. With a more complete roster, the Bolts now have the ability to match up better against the league’s top teams and compete with greater consistency. The team’s chemistry and cohesiveness are expected to improve as the players work to build chemistry with one another, especially after such a challenging period of injuries and lineup disruptions.

However, despite the positive developments, the Bolts are not yet fully intact. Veteran sharpshooter Allein Maliksi remains sidelined, still dealing with a lingering issue of bone spurs. Maliksi’s absence is still felt, especially in terms of scoring and perimeter shooting, as he has long been a key contributor to Meralco’s offense. His sharpshooting ability would provide the Bolts with another weapon from the outside, something that they will need as they aim to stay competitive in the highly contested Commissioner’s Cup.

Nevertheless, with the return of Banchero, Bates, Almazan, and Cansino, Meralco’s roster is undoubtedly in much stronger shape. The added depth and reinvigorated lineup have given the team fresh hope as they embark on a critical stretch of the season. The team is now focused on building chemistry, gaining momentum, and continuing to recover from the setbacks of the past few weeks. As the second half of the elimination round approaches, the Bolts are ready to put their challenges behind them and move forward with a full-strength roster.

Collective Effort Secures Victory

While Mitchell stole the spotlight, Sunday’s win was a team effort. Bong Quinto contributed 16 crucial points, while Chris Newsome, Aaron Black, and Cliff Hodge made key plays on both offense and defense to fend off Eastern’s late-game surge.

The game also carried an emotional subplot, as active consultant Nenad Vucinic faced Eastern coach Mensur Bajramovic for the first time. The two have been friends since childhood but lost contact during the Bosnian War in the mid-1990s, with Vucinic hailing from Serbia and Bajramovic from Bosnia. The matchup added a personal touch to an already intense contest, with Vucinic and Trillo ultimately outmaneuvering Bajramovic.

Looking Ahead

Meralco now turns its focus to a hectic schedule, facing TNT on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena and NLEX on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. With renewed momentum and a healthier roster, the Bolts aim to build on their recent success and solidify their standing in the Commissioner’s Cup.

As the season progresses, Meralco’s resilience and teamwork will be tested, but the team is confident in its ability to rise to the occasion and make a deep run in the tournament.

SOURCE: INQUIRER.NET