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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San Miguel’s well-balanced offense saw five players score in double figures, including Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial with 12 apiece, and Don Trollano who chipped in 11.
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Jamie Malonzo added 20 points with four rebounds and two assists, while Japeth Aguilar chipped in 18 markers alongside seven boards, two dimes, three steals, and two blocks in a vintage two-way showing.
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CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz added 11 points apiece, while Juami Tiongson rounded out the Beermen’s double-digit scorers with 10.
Ginebra edged SMB 23-20 in the opening quarter, but the Beermen fought back strong in the second to take a 50-46 halftime lead. That momentum didn't last, as Ginebra responded with a commanding 25-14 third period to retake control at 71-64, then sealed the win with a 29-26 finish in the final frame.
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Game 4 is set for Wednesday, July 2, at 5:00 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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