EASL: Victor Law lifts Ryukyu Golden Kings to secure B1 seed
Victor Law led the Ryukyu Golden Kings in securing the B1 seed in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 season after beating the Meralco Bolts, 89-71, on Wednesday night, January 22, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Law had a game-high 20 points in spearheading Ryukyu to victory. He also tallied eight rebounds, five assists, and two deflections in 34 minutes of play.
The Ryukyu team captain shot 5-of-8 from the two-point area, 2-of-6 from rainbow country, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the stripe. He also had the highest efficiency of the game with 25.
Golden Kings import Alex Kirk also had an efficiency of 25, and finished the game with 19 markers, eight boards, one assists, and a block.
Their other import, Keve Aluma was also instrumental to the game as he produced 18 points, eight coming from the third when they had a 19-point lead, the highest of the game.
Two more players scored in double-digits for Ryukyu -- Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki and Ryuichi Kishimoto scored 12 points apiece.
Kishomoto and Golden Kings head coach Dai Oketani attended the post-game interview to tell their thoughts about the game.
The B.League guard said that it was his first time to visit and play in the Philippines and he was very appreciative of the experience.
Same goes with coach Oketani who acknowledged the Philippine brand of basketball specially Chris Newsome, whom he said was a very tough opponent in their part.
The Meralco team captain responded that he was humbled with the compliment and it just means that he's playing basketball the right way.
Newsome produced 12 points, five assists, one steal, and a block to pace the Bolts, while Cliff Hodge and Ange Kouame put up 13 markers each.
Meralco's import David Kennedy only scored three points on 1-of-8 shooting, while their other import Akil Mitchell suited up but did not play as he had a hurting back.
The Bolts still have one game remaining on February 12 in Taiwan against the New Taipei Kings. They need to win that match for them to enter the 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.
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The East Asia Super League (EASL) is officially set to raise the curtain on its new season with a twin opening in Taipei and Tokyo on October 8, 2025 — a move that reflects the league’s expanding reach and growing stature as Asia’s premier basketball competition.
All eyes in Taiwan will be on the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, which will host a blockbuster doubleheader featuring some of the region’s most decorated clubs.
The action tips off with a clash between the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex and the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves. Utsunomiya, led by veteran guard Makoto Hiejima, entered as one of Japan’s most successful franchises. The Braves, meanwhile, look to prove their resilience after falling short in a grueling seven-game finals series last season, banking on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.
The second game of the night brings a rematch between the P. LEAGUE+ champions Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Japan’s Ryukyu Golden Kings. Their last encounter came in the 2025 EASL Final Four semifinals, where Taoyuan stunned Ryukyu, 71–64. This time, the Golden Kings are eager for redemption, while the Pilots hope to reaffirm their place among Asia’s elite.
Game schedule (HKT):
- Utsunomiya vs. Taipei Fubon – 6:30 PM
- Taoyuan vs. Ryukyu – 8:30 PM
China came within a single basket of toppling Oceania powerhouse Australia in the FIBA Asia Cup final, bowing 90-89 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but sending a clear message that it remains a force in Asian basketball.
The Chinese squad, bannered by Hu Mingxuan and Hu Jinqiu, led by as many as 15 points through three quarters before faltering in the final minutes against the defending champions. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the performance was a reminder of China’s proud basketball heritage and its potential return to continental supremacy.
Gilas Pilipinas advanced to the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after triumphing over host nation Saudi Arabia in a tense 95-88 overtime victory on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12 in Manila) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Justin Brownlee once again showed his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude after drilling a contested three-pointer with 3.7 seconds left to force the extra period. He went on to finish with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds, paving the way for a quarterfinal showdown with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13.
Brownlee’s heroics set the stage for Kevin Quiambao, who buried two triples in OT to complete a 17-point performance alongside three dimes and three deflections.
"It was a special game, it was a special performance from both teams," said head coach Tim Cone. "They (Saudi Arabia) posed a lot of problems for us, and by all rights, they had the game won — except for the guy sitting to my right (Brownlee). If you know his history, that’s not unusual. He’s been hitting big shots."
AJ Edu anchored the middle with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, three dimes, and a rejection.
Beyond Brownlee’s late-game magic, the Philippines secured the win by neutralizing Saudi Arabia’s high-scoring duo of Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Mohammed Alsuwailem in the extra frame.
Abdur-Rahkman erupted for 33 points on 8-of-14 shooting from deep, while Alsuwailem tallied 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — but the two combined for only five points in OT as Gilas closed the door on the hosts’ upset bid.
The Scores:
Philippines 95 – Brownlee 29, Edu 17, Quiambao 17, Ramos 13, Fajardo 6, Tamayo 5, Thompson 4, Newsome 4, Malonzo 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Saudi Arabia 88 – Abdur-Rahkman 33, Alsuwailem 26, Almuwallad 10, Abdel Gabar 8, Ma. Almarwani 4, Belal 3, Kadi 3, Mo. Almarwani 1, Shubayli 0.
Quarters: 25-15, 40-37, 60-59, 79-79 (reg.), 95-88 (OT).