Ryukyu climbs atop Group B after season-opening win

October 16, 2024 – Okinawa Arena, Okinawa, Japan 

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In its 2024-25 East Asia Super League opener, the Ryukyu Golden Kings defeated the Meralco Bolts 77-74. Led by Victor Law’s 18 points and 12 rebounds, Ryukyu led comfortably for most of Wednesday’s game and now sit atop Group B. 

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Although Meralco found itself trailing 51-35 at the break, the Bolts mounted several comeback attempts that came just short. Fueled by DJ Kennedy’s game-high 30 points, the reigning Philippine Basketball Association champions missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer after Law blocked Meralco forward Allen Durham’s attempt.  

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Post-Game Triple:

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Cooley, Kirk Dominate First Half 

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Ryukyu big men, Jack Cooley and Alex Kirk, combined for 20 points in the first half to help the Golden Kings build their dominant 51-35 halftime lead. 

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From the tip, Cooley punished Meralco’s defense by converting on pick-and-roll opportunities. Aided by the speed of Ryukyu point guard Ryuichi Kishimoto, he cashed in on a handful of uncontested layups to give the Golden Kings an early advantage. Cooley also went an impressive 8-for-8 from the free throw line and finished with 18 points.  

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Kirk first entered Wednesday night’s contest with three minutes remaining in the first quarter and immediately went to work. At the 1:17 mark, the recently naturalized Kirk blocked two consecutive Meralco shot attempts at the rim before scoring a perimeter jumper to make it 19-16. 

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Kennedy’s Monster Game Despite Loss 

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Kennedy was arguably the lone reason why Meralco kept affairs close at Okinawa Arena. Down big to start both the third and fourth quarters, the 6-foot-6 forward excelled in insolation situations and tallied a game-high 30 points. 

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With the Bolts behind 62-48 near the end of the third quarter, Kennedy went on a personal 7-2 scoring run to bring Meralco within single digits. To start the fourth, he canned a straight-on 3 — over the outstretched hand of Kirk — but couldn’t will the Bolts to victory. 

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Matched up against one of Ryukyu’s best defenders in Law, Kennedy never seemed to have trouble hitting contested turnaround jumpers on the low block. And when matched up with smaller Golden Kings’ players, he’d burrow deep inside the paint for an easy layup. 

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Durham Feels The Love in Okinawa 

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From the moment Durham began warming up, Okinawa Arena erupted into cheers. Prior to signing with Meralco this past offseason, Durham spent three years with Ryukyu, helping the organization win its first-ever B.LEAGUE championship in 2022. 

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“It was amazing,” Durham said about his experience playing at Ryukyu again. “It was a humbling experience knowing I left a mark on all these people. It really touched my heart and I was trying not to get emotional in there but it was nice. I appreciate the fans and all the love that they gave.” 

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In Durham’s return against his former ballclub, the 6-foot-6 forward notched 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists in just under 40 minutes of play. Though dressed in Meralco’s orange and navy threads, whenever Durham made a 3 or finished a lay-in through contact, the home crowd cheered.  

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EASL Player of the Game: Victor Law — Ryukyu Golden Kings 

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Tasked with covering Kennedy on the defensive end and sparking Ryukyu’s offense on the other, Law did a little bit of everything Wednesday evening. 

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The second-year Golden King registered a team-high 18 points — on 37% shooting —12 rebounds and also added five assists. Whenever Meralco cut a once comfortable lead down to one possession, Law delivered an answer by way of a pull-up 3 or straight-line drive. 

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During the game’s final play, with Ryukyu clinging to a narrow 77-74 lead, Law switched onto Durham and perfectly timed his jump to block Meralco’s potential game-tying shot. 

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“It wasn’t shooting, I’ll tell you that,” Law joked when asked what was behind his impressive performance. “Just playing hard, trying to do what I can to win. Allowing my teammates to make the game easier for me.”

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Stat of the Game: 7,347

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Okinawa Arena set a new 2024-25 EASL single-game attendance record Wednesday as 7,347 fans flocked to watch their hometown Ryukyu Golden Kings take on the Meralco Bolts. 

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The previous record was 6,265 at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena during EASL’s Tip-Off 2024 event on Oct. 2, featuring a doubleheader including two PBA teams, Korea’s Suwon KT Sonicboom and the Macau Black Bears. For context, Okinawa Arena holds 10,000 people at full capacity. 

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Upcoming Games:

Meralco Bolts

• Home vs. Busan KCC Egis (KBL) — Nov. 13, 2024 
• Away vs. Busan KCC Egis (KBL) — Dec. 13, 2024 
• Home vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE) — Jan. 22, 2024

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Ryukyu Golden Kings 

• Away vs. Macau Black Bears (Macau SAR) — Oct. 30, 2024 
• Home vs. New Taipei Kings (P. LEAGUE+) — Dec. 25, 2024 
• Away vs. New Taipei Kings (P. LEAGUE+) — Jan. 8, 2024

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