Pilots Dominate Beermen in Feisty Affair in Manila

November 13, 2024 – PhilSports Arena, Manila, Philippines

The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots claimed their second win of the EASL season, remaining undefeated with a dominant 101-85 victory over the PBA’s San Miguel Beermen in Manila.

2023-24 P. LEAGUE+ Most Valuable Player Lu Chun-Hsiang was named EASL Player of the Game after recording 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the contest.

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Post-Game Triple:

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1. Tempers Flare Late

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In the fourth quarter, Pilots center Alec Brown was double-teamed in the post by the Beermen’s Quincy Miller and Jericho Cruz.

Cruz took a few swipes at Brown after the center lost his balance. After a reach-in foul was called on Cruz, Brown taunted him with a near elbow to the face. Miller, the closest player to the confrontation, shoved Brown toward the sidelines before a crowd gathered.

In the midst of the scuffle, Cruz attempted to sneak in a punch on Brown as the officials tried to separate the two teams.

As a result, Cruz was assessed a disqualifying foul and was ejected from the game. Miller received an unsportsmanlike foul, while Brown was assessed a technical foul.

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2. Pilots’ Four-Headed Monster

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After combining for 80 points in their win against the Suwon KT Sonicboom, the Pilots once again relied heavily on their four-man attack of Lu Chun-Hsiang, Pai Yao-Cheng, Alec Brown, and Treveon Graham, who combined for 88 points against the Beermen.

Brown led the way with a team-high 27 points, while Graham and Lu each scored 25. Pai, the EASL Player of the Game in their opener against KT, finished with 11 points.

The four players combined to shoot 51% from the field, outscoring San Miguel 88-85 for the duration of the game.

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3. When One Import Succeeds, Another Falls

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San Miguel Beermen registered Quincy Miller and E.J. Anosike as their imports for the 2024-25 EASL season.

Anosike was dominant during the 2024 EASL Tip-Off, scoring 34 points in a losing effort against the Suwon KT Sonicboom. However, Miller struggled mightily in that contest, scoring just 8 points on 16% shooting.

Against the Pilots, Miller redeemed himself with a game-high 32 points, shooting 61% from the field. Unfortunately for the Beermen, Anosike failed to replicate his opening-game performance, scoring just 8 points on 25% shooting.

The Beermen’s import duo will need to find a way to perform consistently together if they hope to succeed in their remaining four games of the 2024-25 EASL season.

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EASL Player of the Game: Lu Chun-Hsiang - Taoyuan Pauian Pilots

Pilots captain Lu Chun-Hsiang made his mark on the EASL stage in his second game of the season, recording 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 3-pointers against the San Miguel Beermen.

This was a redemption game for Lu, who struggled in his first career EASL game against the Suwon KT Sonicboom in October, registering just 7 points on 11% shooting.

Lu was named team captain this offseason after winning the 2023-24 P. LEAGUE+ Most Valuable Player award.

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Stat of the Game: 39:49-00:00

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The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots dominated the San Miguel Beermen from start to finish, as San Miguel never led in the game.

Lu Chun-Hsiang gave the Pilots their first lead with a 3-pointer 11 seconds into the game, and the team never looked back, jumping to a 24-point lead at halftime.

The Chinese Taipei side led by as much as 29 points during the game.

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Quote of the Game: Lu Chun-Hsiang on his performance

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“In my second EASL game, I have (improved), but I can do better.”

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Next Games:

• San Miguel Beermen: Away vs. Hong Kong Eastern (Hong Kong SAR) - Dec. 18, 2024
• Taoyuan Pauian Pilots: Home vs. Suwon KT Sonicboom (KBL) - Dec. 11, 2024 (in Studio City Macau)