Photo credit: East Asia Super League (EASL) | facebook.com/eastasiasuperleague
Meralco Bolts (1-2) got back at Japan B.League champions Ryukyu Golden Kings (2-2) with a 97-88 overtime victory in their rematch in the 2023-24 EASL Season 2 on Wednesday, December 13 at the Studio City Event Center in Macau.
Chris Newsome sends the game into overtime by scoring the Bolts' last 7 points in regulation, including a rare 4-point play. Newsome finished the game with 27 points (6/6 2pts, 2/3 3pts, 9/11ft), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in 31 minutes of play, securing the PBA's first win in the EASL.
Zach Lofton led the Bolts with 35 points on 13-of-35 shooting, along with 6 rebounds, and 3 assists while Prince Ibeh added a double-double of 15 points, 12 rebounds, 3 asssits, 2 steals and 3 blocks.
Import Vic Law led the Golden Kings in a losing effort with 27 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal while Jack Cooley had a double-double of 10 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Ryukyu played without import Allen Durham and Asian heritage import Carl Tamayo.
Stay tuned for more exciting EASL action as the TNT Tropang Giga (0-4) gears up to face Taipei Fubon Braves (1-2) in their upcoming clash on December 20, 2023 (Wednesday) at 7:00 PM, PHL time, hosted at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Secure your seats now as tickets are available via TicketMax.
The Scores:
MERALCO 97 - Lofton 35, Newsome 27, Ibeh 15, Hodge 6, Almazan 5, Maliksi 5, Dario 2, Banchero 2, Quinto 0, Rios 0, Torres 0, Bates 0
RYUKYU 88 - Law 27, Imamura 19, Kishimoto 15, Cooley 10, Onodera 9, Tashiro 4, Maki 2, Watanabe 2, Uematsu 0, Arakawa 0, Matsuwaki 0.
Quarters: 17-21, 38-37, 57-57, 80-80, 97-88. [GAME STATS] | [HIGHLIGHTS]