Where: The Capital Arena, Ilagan City, Isabela

When: Sunday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m. CST

Team Records: Meralco Bolts (0-2) / Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (2-0)

Where to Watch: Ticket Information / Broadcast Information 

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PROJECTED STARTERS 

‍Meralco Bolts 

PG: Chris Banchero — 183cm / 79kg

SG: Chris Newsome — 188cm / 86kg

SF: Cliff Hodge  — 193cm / 88kg

PF: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson — 198cm / 98kg

C: Ismael Romero — 206cm / 100kg

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Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 

PG: Pai Yao Cheng — 182cm / 77kg

SG: Lu Chun Hsiang — 188cm / 82kg

SF: Setric Milner Jr. — 198cm / 92kg 

PF: Will Artino — 210cm / 111kg

C: Alec Brown — 216cm / 107kg 

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TEAM STATISTIC LEADERS 

Meralco Bolts 

Points: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson — 23.5

Rebounds: Ismael Romero — 14.0 

Assists: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson — 4.5

Steals: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson — 2.0 

Blocks: Ronade Hollis-Jefferson — 2.5 

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Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 

Points: Lu Chun Hsiang — 19.0 

Rebounds: Will Artino — 14.5

Assists: Pai Yao Cheng — 4.0

Steals: Will Artino — 2.5

Blocks: Alec Brown — 2.0 

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THE RUNDOWN 

Exactly one week after the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots beat the Meralco Bolts 82–72 at Taoyuan Arena, the two sides meet again in the Philippines. This rematch takes place at The Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela, north of Manila, rather than Meralco’s usual home court.

The stakes are clear. Taoyuan can move to 3–0 for the second straight year and all but secure a postseason berth before December. Meralco, meanwhile, can halt a two-game slide by knocking off the Group B leaders, a result that would boost both their standing and their confidence.

Both clubs reach the midpoint of their EASL campaigns with this game. The Pilots aim to leave the Philippines unbeaten, while the Bolts chase their first win of 2025–26 after entering the season with high expectations.

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THE BOLTS 

Playing its first “home” game of the campaign, Meralco is under pressure. At 0–2, remaining winless at midseason would jeopardize postseason hopes and extend the PBA’s run of group-stage exits in EASL.

The focus falls on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the marquee offseason signing. He leads the Bolts in points, assists, steals, and blocks, and remains the most talented player on most floors he steps on. He was quiet by his standards in the last meeting with Taoyuan, yet still totaled 22 points. Fellow import Ismael Romero will also serve as a focal point after a 26-point, 17-rebound performance last time out against the Pilots. 

Ultimately, the key difference must come from the Bolts’ supporting cast. In the Nov. 2 loss to Taoyuan, no Bolt besides Hollis-Jefferson or Romero scored in double figures. Meralco will need contributions from proven scorers like Chris Newsome and Bong Quinto to get into the win column. 

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THE PILOTS

The Pilots are one of two teams at 2–0 and sit atop of Group B. Through two EASL games they own a +12 average margin and show little sign of slowing.

Their last outing against Meralco was rugged, and the shooting reflected it at under 40 percent from the field. Even so, Will Artino delivered a 20-point, 17-rebound double double, with strong support from Alec Brown and Lu Chun Hsiang.

This will be Taoyuan’s first game outside Taiwan this campaign. The environment will pose challenges, but if the Pilots impose their tempo, defend the glass, and see their shots fall through, they put themselves in position to leave the Philippines with a win.

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SPOTLIGHT STORYLINE 

ELITE SCORERS 

Both Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Lu Chun Hsiang are poised to join EASL’s 200-point club on Saturday. Hollis-Jefferson is eight points away. Lu needs four.

Last season, Lu led the league in total points with 158 in 2024–25. Hollis-Jefferson returned this year after posting 145 in the 2023–24 campaign.

All signs point to both players reaching the milestone in Saturday’s Group B matchup.