Meralco crashes out of EASL after 2OT loss to New Taipei Kings

Meralco ran out of steam after being outlasted by the New Taipei Kings in double overtime, 106-96, to bow out of contention in the East Asia Super League (EASL) on Wednesday at the University of Taipei Gym. 

The Bolts sustained a wild 9-0 closing run by the home team, ultimately kissing their Final Four hopes goodbye as they fell to 2-4, while New Taipei has advanced to the semifinals with a 4-2 record. 

New Taipei was comfortably holding a 91-88 lead in the first overtime, but Jansen Rios secured the offensive rebound that allowed him to knock down a game-tying three-pointer and send the game into another extra period. 

The Bolts, who were just coming off a quarterfinals loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday, was within striking distance in the second OT with Cliff Hodge converting a layup for a slim 97-96 deficit. 

But New Taipei unleashed a killer 9-0 closing rampage instigated by a Joseph Lin's triple over the stretched arms of Ange Kouame and capped by four straight free throws from Kenneth Manigault Jr. that made it a 10-point cushion for the host. 

David Kennedy led the way for Meralco with 21 points and eight rebounds while Chris Newsome chipped in 17 markers. Akil Mitchell, Meralco's import in the PBA, as well as Bong Quinto each tallied 15 points in the loss. 

Sani Sakakini paced New Taipei with 31 points together with 12 rebounds and two assists while Austin Daye and Lin tallied 24 and 19 points apiece. 

Ryukyu Golden Kings topped Group B with a 5-1 card and will likewise enter the Final Four while the Hiroshima Dragonflies and Taoyuan Pauian Pilots finished as the top two squads in Group A. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News