Missing the presence of Akil Mitchell, Meralco’s 2024-25 East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four hopes took a significant hit after a tough 89-71 loss to Ryukyu on Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.
Mitchell, who had been a dominant force for the Bolts with averages of 25 points and 20 rebounds in his first two EASL games, was sorely missed as Meralco struggled to keep pace with the defending B.League runners-up.
Though the first quarter was tightly contested, the Bolts’ offense faltered in the middle periods, allowing Ryukyu to seize control.
Vic Law spearheaded the Golden Kings with an all-around stat line of 20 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Imports Alex Kirk and Keve Aluma added 19 and 18 points, respectively, to help Ryukyu secure its fifth win in six games and the top spot in Group B.
This was the second time the Golden Kings defeated the Bolts, after a narrow 77-74 win in their first meeting last October 16.
Meralco now sits at 2-3, slipping to fourth place behind the New Taipei Kings (3-2) and Macau Black Bears (3-3).
Cliff Hodge and Ange Kouame each had 13 points for the Bolts, with Hodge also grabbing seven rebounds. Kouame, however, will be heading to Dubai tomorrow to join Strong Group for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Despite their efforts, Meralco could not fill the gap left by Mitchell’s absence, and DJ Kennedy struggled, scoring just three points on 1-of-8 shooting.
With their playoff hopes on the line, the Bolts face a must-win game against the New Taipei Kings on February 12 in Taiwan, with the winner possibly creating a three-way tie for the last semifinal spot.