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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.

After a dazzling debut game in their East Asia Super League win last November 13 against Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, Meralco’s midseason addition, Akil Mitchell, has quietly put together one of the most impressive EASL campaigns in history.

On Wednesday, January 22, Mitchell will again have the toughest test against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, and he is expected to deliver another standout performance against their opponent's versatile frontcourt of Jack Cooley, Alex Kirk, and Keve Aluma. It will also depend on head coach Dai Oketani how to rotate his big men in challenging Mitchell.

It will be a crucial game for the Bolts as they try to vie for a playoff spot in their remaining games (including this one).

Mitchell will also be tested inside the paint as Ryukyu’s second-chance opportunities always help them to win, secure a spot in the Final Four, and now lead Group B in the standings.

Mitchell will be needing the support of his teammates and as well as his captain Chris Newsome for Meralco to stand a chance. Newsome must step up and boost their record and move one step closer to securing a spot in the semifinals.

During Mitchell’s stint in this season's EASL, he collected an average of 25 points, 20 rebounds and two assists, and this upcoming match-up will prove his toughness to the league's elite.  

He also helped the Bolts to get back on track after they absorbed a 74-77 loss to the Japan B. League club last October.

Meanwhile, Ryukyu is holding onto the top spot, but still their position isn’t entirely secure. They might have secured a Final Four spot already, but a loss to Meralco, combined with either the Bolts or the P. LEAGUE+’s New Taipei Kings winning out, could see them slip to the second seed in Group B.

The Golden Kings will look to build on that success and secure control of the B1 seed heading into the next round.