Jeremy Lin, New Taipei hand Meralco home loss in EASL

Former NBA veteran Jeremy Lin of the New Taipei Kings goes for a shot against the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco’s offense conked out in the second half as the Bolts fell to Jeremy Lin and the visiting New Taipei Kings, 89-77, in their East Asia Super League (EASL) rematch on Wednesday night.

The Bolts, one of the two Filipino clubs competing in the regional showcase, had very few answers against the former NBA star Lin in the game held at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Import Zach Lofton had 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Allein Maliksi chipped in 12 more in the scoring effort that saw Barangay Ginebra’s EASL replacement slide to a 1-4 record in Group B play.

Lin, best known for his sensational stint with the New York Knicks, delivered 23 points, including a 10-point spurt in the final frame that pretty much sealed the P.League+ squad’s rise to a perfect 3-0 mark in the group.

Jeremy Lin.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Meralco was in control with a 47-42 edge heading into the halftime break, but without cornerstone Chris Newsome and crafty guard Aaron Black, the Bolts faded.

Lin was also the Meralco’s source of torment in their previous encounter with the New Taipei in November with the Kings co-captain scoring 25 points in a 97-92 win.

He was, however, kind enough to entertain his fans after the game, even gifting fans his game-worn yellow sneakers and his jersey.

Meralco’s loss gave the Bolts the same record as their sister team TNT, which is the other PBA team competing in the EASL.

Meralco plays Seoul SK again on Feb. 7, with a chance to avenge its narrow 81-80 Dec. 27 loss at home.