MERALCO was ousted by Broncos, 83-78, in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia on Wednesday at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai.
The Bolts were eliminated from the title picture of the tournament after losing a 13-point lead against the Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia-based squad.
Meralco still mounted a late comeback but the Broncos made baskets in the end to advance to the semifinals where they will face newly-crowned Japan B.League champion Utsunomiya Brex, who defeated Iran’s Tabiat Basketball, 94-93, earlier in the day.
Jordon Varnado had 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Glynn Watson added 22 points, five rebounds, and seven assists for the Bolts.
Bong Quinto had 12 points, but Chris Newsome was held scoreless after missing all of his seven attempts from the field.
The Broncos went on a 7-0 binge with Ian Miller scoring a three and Barsbold Baatar Erdene making a field goal to make it a 70-59 lead.
Miller topscored for the Broncos with 32 points and dished six assists, while Erdene had 13 points and four rebounds as their team overcame a 23-11 deficit against the Bolts.
Meralco closed the tournament with one win at the expense of Utsunomiya Brex, 97-86, last Sunday to clinch a spot in the quarterfinal round.
The Bolts opened the previously-named FIBA Asia Champions Cup with a 101-87 loss to Shabab Al-Ahli last Saturday.
The scores:
Broncos 83 – Miller 32, Erdene 13, Altangerel 10, Tshimanga 7, Enkhbaatar 5, Sandagdorj 4, Chuluunbaatar 2, Otgonbaatar 0, Davaadorj 0, Elbeg 0.
Meralco 78 – Varnado 23, Watson 22, Quinto 12, Egbunu 10, Cansino 6, Banchero 2, Hodge 2, Almazan 1, Newsome 0, Black 0.
Quarters: 20-27; 40-42; 61-57; 83-78.
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