Meralco secures first EASL win with 85-76 victory over Taoyuan

Meralco secured their first victory in the East Asia Super League (EASL), defeating the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 85-76 and reviving their playoff bid with a 1-2 record in Group B.

New import Mohammad Sina Vahedi, who was named to the FIBA Asia Cup's All-Star Five after Iran's bronze medal finish last August, was instrumental in his debut, contributing 22 points, seven assists, and two rebounds.

Vahedi, who missed Meralco's opening losses due to visa issues, expressed happiness with the team and was adjudged Player of the Game.

Imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero also delivered strong performances with double-doubles, with Hollis-Jefferson scoring 15 points and Romero matching Vahedi's 22 points.

Hollis-Jefferson also grabbed 10 rebounds and seven assists, joining the EASL's 200-point club, while Romero hauled down 14 rebounds.

The win broke Meralco's slump after an 0-2 start, while Taoyuan dropped to a 2-1 record.

Meralco's next game will be against the Macau Black Bears.