A sudden-change in playing schedule has Meralco playing right away on opening day of the Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai.
Originally booked to play on June 8, Sunday, the Bolts are now set to see action on June 7, Saturday, as they battle host team Shabab Al Ahli at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall.
"Based sa draw, dapat ang games namin, sa (June) 8 and 9. Pero dahil host team sila (Shabab Al Ahli) and then Philippines pa na maraming OFWs (na manonood), inilipat kami sa first game on opening day," explained team manager Paolo Trillo.
"So we play right away on (June) 7. Tatlong games yun, and we're in the middle."
The change in schedule further left Meralco cramming for time integrating to its system imports Glynn Watson, Jordon Varnado, and John Egbunu.
READ: Nigerian Egbunu completes Meralco imports for Champions League Asia
Both Watson and Varnado were able to practice with the Bolts prior to leaving Manila, while the 6-foot-11 Egbunu didn't have the benefit of joining the team until it arrived in Dubai.
Meralco's statement
Meralco is in Group B with Shabab Al Ahli - runner-up in last year's edition - and reigning Japan B.League champion Utsunomiya Brex.
The Bolts will meet Utsunomiya on Sunday before taking a break on Monday.
Chris Newsome leads the Meralco locals along with Cliff Hodge, Raymond Almazan, Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Alvin Pasaol, Norbert Torres, Bong Quinto, and rookie CJ Cansino.
In Group A are the Zhejiang Lions, Ulaanbaatar Xac Broncos, and Tabiat, while Group C is composed of defending champion Al Riyado, Changwon LG Sakers, and Taoyuan Pauian Pilots.
The top eight teams after the overall group phase will advance to the quarterfinals
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