Meralco remained searching for its first win in the East Asia Super League after dropping a 97-92 decision on the road against the Jeremy Lin-led New Taipei at the New Taipei Xinzhuang Gymnasium on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Former NBA star Lin proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the Filipino representatives, helping the home team spoil a 35-point debut from the Bolts new EASL import Zach Lofton.

The Bolts led by as many as seven points in the third frame but just couldn’t keep their hold of the advantage in the final frame with Lin and New Taipei import Kenny Manigault taking turns in telling 8-0 run that allowed the Kings to wrest control of the contest.

Meralco, down only by one, 72-73, saw the game slowly slip away from its hands as the host built an 81-72 advantage – a lead it managed to protect until the final horn.

Lin posted 25 points, seven assists and four rebounds while Manigault added a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds. Former Bay Area Dragons wingman Hayden Blankley, meanwhile, reintroduced himself to the Bolts with 15 points.

Lofton added five rebounds to his name in stellar performance after being tapped as a replacement import for Suleiman Braimoh who was not available for the EASL due to travel document issues.

Prince Ibeh added 18 points while Chris Newsome had nine for the Bolts who fell to a 0-2 record in the EASL.