MERALCO tries to take care of its other business in the East Asia Super League (EASL), as it faces Ryukyu Golden Kings in a crucial tiff on Wednesday.
The Bolts tangle with the visiting B.League team at 8 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, eyeing a win that will bolster their bid for a first-ever Final Four berth.
The Final Four of the league's Home And Away Season 2 is set on March 7-9 in Macau.
Meralco sits at third place in Group B standings along with the New Taipei Kings with similar 2-2 records.
The Macau Black Bears occupy solo second with an even 3-3 record, just behind the leading Golden Kings at 4-1.
Ryukyu, the former B.League champion, already clinched the first semis slot in its bracket.
A win by the home team is expected to have a ripple effect in the standings, especially since the Golden Kings are also trying to avoid finishing at No. 2 by the end of the group phase.
The Bolts have been busy shuffling their time playing in the EASL and PBA Commissioner's Cup, where they are also on track to gain a playoff berth.
Yet despite the busy schedule, Meralco coach Luigi Trillo takes pride in the organization representing Philippine basketball in the regional tournament.
'It's an honor for Meralco since we're not only representing the PBA, but representing the country as well," he said.
"We're very proud to do it and I know we can do it."
After Ryukyu, the Bolts still have a game left against Jeremy Lin and New Taipei on Feb. 12 in Taiwan.
Trillo believes the outing against Taipei is just as crucial as Ryukyu.
"So we're getting the guys ready," said Trillo.
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