EASL: Meralco survives Busan behind debuting Akil Mitchell heroics

Meralco Bolts secured their second home win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 on Wednesday night, November 13, when they narrowly defeated the Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, at the Philsports Arena.

Akil Mitchell, who replaced the recently retired Allen Durham as one of Meralco's reinforcements in the tournament, led the Bolts to victory with his 33 points punctuated by his split free throws in the final 6.4 seconds that eventually sealed the game. He also grabbed 22 rebounds in their come from behind victory.

Mitchell, who will also play for Meralco as their Commissioner's Cup import, boosted the team to a 2-1 win-loss record.

The other reinforcement of the Bolts, DJ Kennedy added 14, to go along eight boards, five assists, and two steals for the squad, while team captain Chris Newsome scored eight before fouling out in the crucial minutes of the fourth quarter.

It was an exchange of runs in the opening period before KCC made a statement of their own in the second quarter and erected an 11-point lead at the end of the half off a windmill slam by Deonte Burton who finished the game with 26 markers, nine boards, five dimes, and three deflections.

Then, Meralco opened the third salvo with a 7-0 run to bring down the lead to four and forced KCC to call an early timeout. However, the Egis finished the third frame with a 68-63 lead.

In the fourth period, Busan continued to hold on the lead before Mitchell converted back-to-back and-one plays.

The first one was against Burton, who also graduated from the game with 4:03 left. Then, Chris Newsome made a crucial block on the defensive end before Mitchell made his second three-point play to tie the game at 75 with 3:16 remaining.

After another baskets exchange, Bong Quinto's triple tied the game anew at 80 with 30.9 seconds left.

In the next play, KCC failed to convert an attempt that led to Mitchell's rebound. Leon Williams tried to grab it but was called for a foul leading to Mitchell's final two free throws which the latter split.

The Egis still had a chance to steal the match but Heo Ung’s desperate heave at the buzzer was off target.

KCC remained winless after two games in Season 2.

The two teams will meet again when the Egis host the Bolts on December 18 at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium.

Meralco 81 – Mitchell 33, Kennedy 14, Newsome 8, Quinto 8, Kouame 8, Hodge 6, Banchero 4, Caram 0.

Busan 80 – Burton 26, Heo 14, Lee G. 14, Lee S.H. 9, Williams 9, Jung 6, Lee H.Y. 2, Yeo 0, Epistola 0.

Quarters: 20-26; 42-53; 63-68; 81-80.