Bolts take 2nd crack at Asia Champs Cup

MANILA, Philippines — The Meralco Bolts will again carry the fight for the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup next month in Bangkok, Thailand, seeking to crack the podium in their second outing in the Continental inter-club tilt.

The Bolts, who finished fourth last year, will field in their American import in the PBA Governors up, Allen Durham, together with Puerto Rican Renaldo Balkman, for the Sept. 24-29 cagefest featuring top clubs in Asia.

Coach Norman Black’s wards are up against champions of various leagues in Alvark Tokyo (Japan B. League), Ulsan Mobis (Korea) and Guangdong Southern Tigers (China) as well as Hitech Bangkok (host Thailand) and Fubon Braves (Chinese Taipei).

In last year’s competition held in Nonthaburi, Thailand, the Bolts, reinforced by Durham and Diamond Stone, positioned themselves to vie for a medal.

They defeated Al Riyadi, 96-63, in the last game of group play to advance to the final round as the No. 2 qualifier from Group B behind unbeaten Alvark. The Bolts, though, absorbed a 74-79 loss to eventual champ Petrochimi of Iran in the semis and later on fell short of the bronze as they bowed to Seoul SK Knights, 87-91.

Meralco’s Champions Cup participation continues a string of overseas forays for PBA teams in the month of September.

Philippine and Commissioner’s Cup holder San Miguel Beer, Commissioner’s Cup runner-up TNT KaTropa and Blackwater Elite will represent the league in the East Asia Super League’s Terrific 12 tournament slated from Sept. 17-22 in Macau.