Bolts in must-win situation vs ‘Linsanity’

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco aims to ring in the New Year with an all-important victory in the East Asia Super League today against Jeremy Lin and New Taipei at the PhilSports Arena.

At 1-3, the Bolts lurk at the bottom of the standings in Group B but still within sight of a semifinal berth provided they sweep their last two assignments in pool play.

First order of business is beating “Linsanity” and the unbeaten Kings at 7 p.m. to stay alive. Do that and the Bolts will have much to play in their elims windup duel with Korea’s Seoul SK Knights on the road on Feb. 7.

The unbeaten Taiwanese club paces Group B with 2-0 with Korea’s Seoul SK Knights (2-2) and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings (2-2) ahead of fighting-for-life Meralco.

Aside from survival, coach Luigi Trillo’s charges will be driven by a desire to get back at New Taipei after giving them a 97-92 loss on the road last month as well as picking up a first win on Philippine soil.

The Bolts fell short in their first home gig, 80-81, at the hands of the Knights last Wednesday in the same venue in Pasig. Their previous EASL breakthrough was posted in a home-away-from-home outing in Macau, 97-88, over Ryukyu in overtime last Dec. 13.

Imports Zach Lofton and Prince Ibeh and local aces Chris Newsome, Allein Maliksi, Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge are expected to anchor the Bolts’ homestand.

Former NBA star Lin fired 25 points against Meralco in their first meeting.