MANILA, Philippines – Just like in the PBA, Meralco suffered a heartbreaking end to its campaign in the East Asia Super League (EASL).
The Bolts fell short of a semifinal berth in the EASL after absorbing a stinging 106-96 double overtime loss to the New Taipei Kings in Taiwan on Wednesday, February 12.
In a virtual sudden death for the last final four berth, Meralco blew a double-digit lead as it got the boot again after its quarterfinal ouster at the hands of Barangay Ginebra in the PBA over the weekend.
DJ Kennedy posted 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists to pace the Bolts, but he missed the potential game-winner at the end of regulation and went scoreless in the two extra periods.
Meralco crept within 96-97 with under two minutes remaining after a Cliff Hodge layup only to run out of steam as it witnessed Joseph Lin drain a morale-draining three-pointer that ignited the Kings’ win-clinching 9-0 run.
The loss put to waste a stunning triple by Jansen Rios that sent the game to double overtime, 91-91.
With Meralco down, 87-91, with under 10 seconds to play in the first extra period, Chris Newsome sank his first free throw, then deliberately bungled the second for a chance at a four-point swing.
Ange Kouame grabbed the offensive rebound and kicked the ball out to Aaron Black, who hit only the side of the backboard on his three-point attempt from the left corner.
Fortunately for Meralco, the ball rolled into the hands of Rios as he drained the game-tying trey with less than a second remaining to keep Meralco alive.
The win, however, proved elusive for the Bolts as New Taipei outscored them, 15-5, in the second overtime.
Sani Sakakini fired 31 points on a perfect 11-of-11 clip from the free throw line and hauled down 12 rebounds to lead the Kings, who secured the second spot in Group B with a 4-2 record.
Former NBA player Austin Daye churned out 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in the win, including a clutch three-pointer with 14 seconds in regulation that knotted the score at 78-78.
Lin had 19 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, while Kenneth Manigault also delivered 19 points with 14 rebounds.
Newsome put up 17 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds for Meralco, which led by as many as 13 points, 65-52, before its collapse as it wrapped up its EASL run with a 2-4 card.
Import Akil Mitchell tallied 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists in the loss, his fouling out late in the first overtime crippling the Bolts.
Bong Quinto chimed in 15 points and Rios added 11 points.
Meanwhile, San Miguel concluded its EASL campaign without a win after a 94-81 road loss to Korean Basketball League club Suwon KT Sonicboom.
The Beermen finished with a 0-6 record as they played without an import and star big man June Mar Fajardo, who is training with a Gilas Pilipinas side that will fly to Doha, Qatar for its training camp on Thursday, February 13.
Newsome will also join the national team.
Jeron Teng topscored for San Miguel with 17 points, while Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively. – Rappler.com