Romeo’s Absence Highlights Meralco’s Triumph in EASL
Updated on: October 23, 2024 9:19 am GMT
In a surprising turn of events, San Miguel Beermen’s star guard, Terrence Romeo, did not play in the team’s opening match of the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 due to passport issues. Despite being on the bench, the three-time PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) scoring champion was unable to take the court in the Beermen’s 87-81 loss to the Suwon KT Sonicboom at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Passport Problems Keep Romeo Out of Action
Coach Jorge Gallent spoke about the situation, indicating that it stemmed from a late passport submission. “I think he had a problem with his passport. He submitted it just today,” said Gallent. This late issue likely affected Romeo’s eligibility to play, even though he was officially listed as part of the team’s roster for the match.
Team Roster Challenges
Romeo was one of the 10 local players included in the Beermen’s squad, joining notable teammates such as CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, and Marcio Lassiter. Players like Vic Manuel and Jeron Teng were absent from the lineup. San Miguel also brought in EJ Anosike and Quincy Miller as their imports for the EASL campaign. Despite these changes, Romeo’s absence was felt during the game.
Meralco Bolts Bounce Back
While the Beermen struggled without their star player, the Meralco Bolts found success in their opening match, defeating the Macau Black Bears 97-85. This win was a breath of fresh air for the Bolts after being swept in their previous PBA playoff series against Barangay Ginebra.
A Needed Victory
According to Meralco’s Chris Newsome, the victory was crucial. “It’s definitely something that we needed as an organization, as a team, to find our rhythm again,” he said. The Bolts showcased a strong performance, pulling ahead significantly in the second half with a lead that peaked at 19 points.
Key Player Performances
- Chris Newsome: 18 points and 6 rebounds
- Allen Durham: Double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds
- DJ Kennedy: Impressive stats with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists
This victory marked a positive start for the Meralco squad in EASL Season 2, allowing them to wipe away the sting of their recent PBA setbacks. Following this game, the Bolts are set to travel to Japan to take on the Ryukyu Golden Kings on October 16.
Looking Ahead
The EASL has provided an opportunity for teams to regroup and focus on international competition. For San Miguel, the challenge remains finding ways to adapt without Romeo. Meanwhile, the Bolts are eager to build on their early success and carry that momentum forward into their next games.
With the challenges of roster management, international play, and season transitions, both teams are set to navigate a demanding schedule. Fans will be watching closely as the competition unfolds. For updates, visit SPIN.ph.
Terrence Romeo’s absence certainly presents some difficulties for the Beermen, but the Meralco Bolts demonstrated impressive resilience and skill in their first game. The upcoming matches in the EASL will be vital for both teams as they aim to build their momentum for the season ahead.