PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Meralco Bolts kicked off their 2024 East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign with a strong 97-85 victory over the Macau Black Bears on October 2. After a disappointing run last season, the Bolts returned with a renewed sense of purpose, fueled by their recent PBA championship triumph. While this win was a collective effort, Chris Banchero’s performance, though not the loudest, played a crucial role in overcoming Macau’s size and grit.

Banchero may not have been the primary leader on the floor, but his efficiency was hard to ignore. He quietly worked his way to 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, with an impressive 6-of-7 (85.71%) inside the paint. Facing a formidable Macau frontcourt, featuring the towering 7'6.5" Samuel Deguara and 6'11" Will Artino, Banchero opted for a more aggressive approach near the basket after his outside shot wasn’t falling.

“My outside shot wasn’t falling tonight, so I was doing my best to get to the basket and make plays,” Banchero admitted. “Our speed was a positive, but we’ve got to play better basketball, especially against Okinawa.”

Asked Chris Banchero on how he found success after efficiently shooting inside the paint (14 PTS on 6-10 FG) against the taller front court duo of Macau 🗣️

Reporting for @basketbllnews for @EASLofficial 2024 Tipoff Wednesday night 🏀 pic.twitter.com/P5iQgl4CXQ

— THEKNPROJECT (@theknproject) October 3, 2024

The adjustment paid off. Instead of forcing long-range attempts, Banchero attacked the rim, finding success against the imposing size of Deguara and Artino. Macau’s towering frontcourt may have dominated the paint defensively, but Banchero’s quickness and ability to navigate tight spaces inside kept Meralco’s offense flowing when it mattered most.

However, let’s not overstate his impact—this was very much a team win. Meralco’s starting five played with precision, moving the ball and capitalizing on mismatches. Allen Durham led the way with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Chris Newsome added 18 points, also on 7-of-13 shooting. Kakou Kouame and Raymond Almazan held their own in the paint, with Kouame bringing energy and Almazan contributing 7 points on 3-of-4 shooting.

Meralco’s speed and versatility allowed them to break down Macau’s defense, especially in the second half. Kennedy struggled, going 6-of-24 from the field, but the team’s overall balance and offensive adjustments helped push them past Macau’s size advantage.

It’s clear that Meralco is determined to erase the memories of their underperformance in last season’s EASL. This time, they’ve got momentum on their side, thanks in no small part to their PBA championship run, where they dethroned the San Miguel Beermen. But they know the road ahead won’t be easy.

Up next is the Ryukyu Golden Kings, one of Japan’s most decorated teams, boasting four BJ League championships and a 2023 B.LEAGUE title. They’ll be waiting for the Bolts in Okinawa on October 16, a matchup that will undoubtedly test Meralco’s growth.

“We’re going to, I believe, a very, very tough opponent in Okinawa,” Banchero noted. The Golden Kings are a different beast entirely, with a proven track record and a championship pedigree. For Meralco, this is where they’ll find out how far they’ve come.

While Banchero’s efficient night was crucial in this win, he knows there’s more work to be done. His ability to adapt and find success inside will need to continue, especially with the challenges that lie ahead. For the Bolts, it’s not just about getting wins—it’s about proving that they belong among the EASL’s elite.

Next Game: Meralco Bolts vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings
📅 Date: October 16, 2024
📍 Venue: Okinawa Arena, Japan

Meralco’s journey in the EASL is just beginning, and with Banchero’s adaptability and the team’s newfound confidence, the Bolts are poised to make some noise.