Justin Brownlee had a rather quiet game in the Meralco Bolts’ 88-79 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday, firing just 12 points on 3-for-13 shooting overall. He did have 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, but he was largely contained offensively as he couldn’t conjure a fourth-quarter rally to salvage Meralco’s EASL playoff hopes.
Brownlee himself knows it, which is probably one of the reasons he’s open to playing for Meralco again in the EASL.
“Hopefully, the chance comes again [to play for Meralco in the EASL]. Personally, I don’t think I played too well today, but I hope I get another opportunity,” Brownlee told reporters when asked if he’d play with the Bolts again in the regional league of champions.
“I really enjoyed the EASL and I definitely enjoyed playing with Meralco,” he added.
Brownlee’s Short Bolts Stint
The Bolts announced as early as September 2025 that JB and TNT Tropang 5G resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson would team up for Meralco in the EASL. While RHJ played in the Bolts’ first five games of the tournament, Brownlee missed the first four as his Meralco debut was delayed by a prolonged case of pneumonia.
Kabayan made his Bolts debut only in December, notching 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead Meralco to a 93-91 victory over the Macau Black Bears—their third straight at that time. Unfortunately, Hollis-Jefferson tore his Achilles in that same game, thus putting an abrupt end to the highly anticipated partnership between two PBA super imports.
Meralco’s loss to Ryukyu on Wednesday also ended the team’s EASL campaign—and Brownlee’s time wearing the blue, white, and orange.
