Meralco Bolts advance to BCL Asia quarterfinals with win over Utsunomiya Brex

The Meralco Bolts secured a 97-86 victory over B.League champions Utsunomiya Brex in their second game of the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia on Sunday, advancing to the quarterfinals.

Despite losing their opening match against Shabab Al Ahli by a score of 101-87 on Saturday night, Meralco bounced back with a strong performance, leading by as much as 20 points in the final quarter.

Jordon Varnado led the Bolts with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Glynn Watson and Chris Banchero each added 17 points. Cliff Hodge contributed 16 points and John Egbunu recorded a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds.

The Bolts improved their shooting percentage to 57% compared to Utsunomiya's 39%, maintaining control throughout the game after building an early lead of 50-38 at halftime.

Meralco coach Nenad Vucinic expressed relief and pride in his team's performance under pressure, noting that a loss would have likely eliminated them from contention.