Converge gets fourth straight win on Christmas Day
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Meralco suffers tough defeat as Busan bags first EASL win
Meralco blew a double-digit lead against the Busan KCC Egis, 68-72, in the continuation of the East Asia Super League (EASL) home-and-away season on Wednesday, December 18, at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium.
The Bolts appeared to be headed for their third EASL victory and a trip to the Final Four.
With 4:02 remaining, the Bolts appeared to be in control, 66-53, but their 13-point advantage was erased by Heo Ung, headlining the comeback with four consecutive three-pointers to reduce the deficit to just one.
The 31-year-old Ung scored an easy layup to give Busan the lead after Chris Newsome missed a layup. The Bolts turned to the returning Akil Mitchell with four seconds remaining in the game, but he made a poor turn-around jumper that missed the basket.
Ung finished with a game-high 31 points, 17 of which came in the final four minutes of the game. Deonte Burton contributed 26 markers, 14 rebounds, and five assists in the come-from-behind win.
EAST ASIA SUPER LEAGUE
David Kennedy led the Bolts in the losing effort with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Mitchell had 17 markers and 18 boards.
The Meralco Bolts will face the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the next EASL game on January 22. Their record now stands at 2-2 in Group B.
Busan, on the other hand, will try to claim their second straight win when they go against the Macau Black Bears on January 15.
The Scores:
Busan KCC 72 – Heo 31, Burton 26, Choi 5, Williams 4, Lee 4, Lee G. 2, Epistola 0, Jung 0.
Meralco 68 – Kennedy 23, Mitchell 17, Kouame 8, Newsome 5, Hodge 3, Quinto 3, Caram 3, Black 2, Bates 2, Caram 2.
Quarter Scores: 13-12, 31-31, 51-50, 72-68.
