Meralco falls to Ryukyu, bows out of EASL

The Meralco Bolts bowed out of the East Asia Super League after an 88-79 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Japan-based squad controlled most of the game, with the Bolts trailing by as many as 16 points entering the final period.

Meralco mounted a late rally, trimming the deficit to 80-74 with 3:15 remaining. However, the Golden Kings kept their composure down the stretch, securing the win and a semifinal berth as the No. 2 overall seed.

Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki paced Ryukyu with 18 points, all scored in the first half, while Vic Law chipped in 15.

Ismael Romero led Meralco with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Cody Lalanne contributed 18 points and five boards.

The Bolts finished their campaign with a 3-3 record.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News