Iran national team star Sina Vahedi sparked new life into Meralco’s EASL campaign, pushing the Bolts to the win column after taking the rematch against the Taoyuan Pilots.
Third time’s the charm for the Meralco Bolts in the 2025-26 season of the East Asia Super League.
Sina Vahedi impressed in his debut, powering the Bolts’ 85-76 payback against the Taoyuan Pilots to enter the win column on Saturday, November 8, at The Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela.
The Iranian national team star uncorked 22 points and added seven assists to earn the Player of the Game honors, helping Meralco snap a two-game skid to start their campaign in Group B.
Ismael Romero also collected 22 markers and grabbed 14 rebounds, including scoring 10 of the team’s first 17 points that set the tone early.
Meanwhile, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson turned in another all-around effort with 15 points, 10 boards, and seven dimes, and Chris Newsome was the top local with 14 points.
Finally with a full set of imports, Bolts came out firing and opened the game with a 17–4 blitz. Meralco later led by as many as 20 points, 66–46, before holding off a late Taoyuan rally to seal the victory.
Despite the Pilots trimming the deficit to as close as eight points late, Meralco kept its composure and stayed in control — exacting payback for the team's 82–92 loss just six days earlier.
With the breakthrough win, Meralco improved to 1–2 and climbed to third place, while Taoyuan slipped to 2–1 but remained atop Group B.
Setric Millner Jr. topscored for the Pilots with 18 markers in a losing effort.
Meralco returns to EASL play on Saturday, November 15, in hosting the Macau Black Bears in Cebu.
Taoyuan, on the other hand, will get its turn against the same Black Bears on Sunday, December 14, in Taiwan.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.