Meralco Bolts Dominate Macau Black Bears in Cebu
In a spectacular display of power and skill, the Meralco Bolts, led by their formidable imports, secured a decisive 92-74 victory over the Macau Black Bears. The East Asia Super League (EASL) matchup took place on Saturday evening, November 15, at the vibrant Cebu Coliseum, electrifying the local crowd.
Record-Breaking Performance and Stellar Stats
The game was defined by two phenomenal individual performances. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was a force on the court, pouring in 34 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. However, the night truly belonged to his teammate, Ismael Romero. Romero delivered a monstrous double-double, scoring 25 points and hauling in a staggering 28 rebounds.
This incredible rebounding effort by Romero shattered the previous EASL single-game record of 23 rebounds, which was held by Chiba Jets forward Xavier Cooks. Romero's name is now etched in the league's history books.
Contributing to the Bolts' well-rounded attack were Chris Banchero with 12 points and Vahed Mohammadsina, who added 10 points. This crucial win improves the Meralco Bolts' EASL standing to 2-1, placing them firmly in second place in the Group B standings.
Basketball with a Heart: Support for Cebu
The event in Cebu was about more than just basketball. The proceeds from the game were dedicated to supporting the victims of Typhoon Tino in the province. Demonstrating a deep commitment to the community, the Meralco Bolts organization also made a separate donation of P500,000 for relief efforts in Cebu.
In a post-game press conference, Bolts team captain Chris Newsome expressed the team's pride in using the sport as a vehicle for aid. "This game felt like home for us. We play for you guys," Newsome stated, highlighting the emotional connection with the Cebuano fans.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also shared a message of solidarity and hope for those affected by the calamity. "I hope the game tonight inspires them. I hope it leaves hope. I hope they keep fighting. Keep supporting us and we’ll continue to support them," he said.
For the Macau Black Bears, who were playing their debut game of the season, Damian Chongqui led the scoring with 25 points.
