MERALCO barged in the win column of the Basketball Champions League Asia and sealed a quarterfinals berth by downing Utsunomiya Brex, 97-86, Sunday in Dubai.
The Bolts took the initiative and never let up against the defending B. League title holder, leading by as much as 20 points on the way to the victory that atoned for their 101-87 loss against home team Shabab Al Ahli on opening day.
More importantly, with an even 1-1 record in Group B, the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion is already assured of advancing in the knockout round of the tournament formerly known as the FIBA Asia Champions Cup.
Utsunumiya, which drew a bye in Day 1, battles Shabab Al Ahli (1-0) on Monday as Meralco takes a breather.
The eight best teams based on their standings after the group phase will make it to the next round.
Chris Banchero, and the import duo of Glynn Watson and Jordon Varnado each had 17 points in pacing the Bolts, who also got a double-double from third reinforcement John Egbunu with 12 points and 13 boards.
After scoring 15 against Shabab, Chris Newsome was held to just four points, but Cliff Hodge took the scoring cudgel from him by going 7-of-8 from the field to finish with 16.
Isaac Fotu, the former member of the New Zealand men’s national team, led Utsunumiya with 20 points.(RG)
The scores
Meralco (97) — Banchero 17, Watson 17, Varnado 17, Hodge 16, Egbunu 12, Almazan 8, Black 6, Newsome 4, Quinto 0.
Utsunomiya Brex (86) — Fotu 20, Newbill 15, Delany 12, Hiejima 11, Takeuchi 9, Ogawa 8, Endo 6, Takashima 3, Watanabe 2, Murakishi 0, Hoshikawa 0, Ikaruga 0.
Quarterscores: 20-18; 50-38; 77-63; 97-86.