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EASL: Ryuku grabs B1 seed, sends Meralco to a must-win situation
The Ryukyu Golden Kings secured the B1 seed in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 season after defeating their rivals, Meralco Bolts, 89-71, on Wednesday night, January 22, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Ryukyu had a 12-4 start before Meralco made their run to get a 22-16 lead, but the Golden Kings regained the lead before the end of the first quarter to post a slim 23-22 advantage.
In the second frame, it was another see-saw battle between the two squads until Ryuku brought a 50-41 edge at the half.
Golden Kings team captain Victor Law already produced 12 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal going to the break.
Keve Aluma poured eight of his total 18 markers to lead the Ryuku's third quarter dominance and brought a 19-point lead entering the fourth, 75-56.
Meralco had multiple runs in the final period, which delighted the spectators in the venue, but the Golden Kings always had an answer that led them to the victory.
Law was named Player of the Game as he finished with 20 points, eight boards, five dimes and two deflections. He also shot 5-of-8 from the two-point area, 2-of-6 triples, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the line.
Alex Kirk added 19 points and eight rebounds for Ryukyu, while Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki and Ryuichi Kishimoto scored 12 apiece.
Ryuku's Alex Kirk defending the paint vs. Meralco Bolts in EASL | Scoreline.ph
On the other hand, Cliff Hodge and Ange Kouame top-scored for Meralco with 13 points each, while team captain Chris Newsome had 12 markers, five assists, one steal, and a block.
The Bolts also missed the services of import Akil Mitchell, who suited up but did not play because of ailing back, while their other import David Kennedy was also hurt though he played the game and only produced three points on 1-of-8 shooting.
Newsome and company will be in a must-win situation against New Taipei Kings on February 12 in Taiwan to get a spot in the EASL Final Four.
The Scores:
RYUKYU (89) – Law 20, Kirk 19, Aluma 18, Kishimoto 12, Matsuwaki 12, Onodera 6, Ito 2, Tsukamoto 0, Eumatsu 0, Arakawa 0, Waki 0, Taira 0.
MERALCO (71) – Hodge 13, Kouame 13, Newsome 12, Banchero 9, Bates 6, Cansino 6, Quinto 5, Rios 3, Kennedy 3, Almazan 1, Caram 0.
Quarter Scores: 23-22; 50-41; 75-56; 89-71.
