Ryukyu Secures B1 Seed, Dominates Meralco

The Ryukyu Golden Kings secured the top seed in Group B with an 89-71 win over the Meralco Bolts. The victory marked Ryukyu’s second triumph over Meralco this season and served as a strong response after their lopsided defeat to the New Taipei Kings in the previous outing.

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Despite rolling out an unusual starting lineup that left import forward Jack Cooley and star point guard Ryuichi Kishimoto on the bench, Ryukyu didn’t miss a beat. Five players scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and balanced attack.

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On the other hand, Meralco struggled to find its rhythm offensively. Team captain Chris Newsome chipped in with 12 points, but he received little support as the Bolts managed just 39.4% shooting from the field in a frustrating night at home.

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Post-Game Triple 

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No Cooley, No Problem 

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A key figure in head coach Dai Oketani’s system, Jack Cooley was left off the roster for Wednesday’s matchup against Meralco. The veteran forward has been a dominant force in EASL play this season, averaging 18.8 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. With Ryukyu already securing a Final Four spot, it’s likely the decision was made to give him some well-earned rest.

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Despite Cooley’s absence, Ryukyu continued to dominate inside, thanks in large part to Alex Kirk’s strong performance. The 6-foot-11 center stepped up with 19 points, eight rebounds, and a block, providing a steady presence in the paint. Kirk was highly efficient as well, shooting 8-for-10 from the field to help power Ryukyu past Meralco.

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Aluma’s Back 

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Keve Aluma made his return to EASL action on Jan. 22, delivering an 18-point, seven-rebound performance to help Ryukyu cruise to victory. It was his first appearance since Christmas Day, when he led the team with 21 points to secure a 4-0 record and a spot in the Final Four.

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A key offseason addition for the 2024-25 campaign, Aluma has been a valuable asset in Ryukyu’s second consecutive EASL season. He showcased his potential early on, earning Player of the Game honors on Oct. 30 after a dominant 29-point, 13-rebound effort against the Macau Black Bears, which included three made threes. However, with Ryukyu’s deep roster of talented imports, it’s not uncommon for Aluma to be sidelined at times.

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Against Meralco on Wednesday, Aluma made his presence felt once again. He knocked down a pair of threes and threw down two highlight-reel dunks, including a high-flying alley-oop finish off a well-placed pass from Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki with just over a minute left in the game. The Bolts simply had no answer for him. 

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Do Or Die Against New Taipei 

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After its loss to Ryukyu, Meralco’s path to the Final Four is straightforward — win or go home. The Bolts face a must-win scenario in their final game on Feb. 12 at Xinzhuang Gymnasium, where they will take on New Taipei in their first and only EASL meeting of the season. A victory would secure the final Group B spot in this year’s Final Four.

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Meralco could have a slight advantage heading into the matchup, as New Taipei’s star and former NBA standout Jeremy Lin was forced to leave his team’s Jan. 21 game against the Busan KCC Egis with what appeared to be a right hamstring injury. However, beyond Lin’s status, the matchup looks to be a close one, with an intriguing frontcourt battle looming between Meralco’s Akil Mitchell and New Taipei’s Jason Washburn or Austin Daye.

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It hasn’t been the smoothest of seasons for Meralco, but they remain in the hunt for a Final Four berth. With the final EASL regular season game on the horizon, the Bolts have a chance to punch their ticket and extend their campaign.

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EASL Player Of The Game: Vic Law — Ryukyu Golden Kings

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Vic Law had a rough outing in Ryukyu’s stunning 99-63 defeat to New Taipei on Jan. 8, managing just nine points on under 20% shooting while committing four turnovers. However, he bounced back in a big way on Wednesday against Meralco, delivering a game-high 20 points along with eight rebounds and five assists.

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Law played with a balanced approach, staying aggressive while making smart decisions on offense. He confidently looked for his shot and capitalized on opportunities, including a few strong finishes at the rim that helped Ryukyu maintain control throughout the game.

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With his second Player of the Game honor this season, Law has reasserted himself as a key contributor. As Ryukyu gears up for the Final Four in March, his role within the team’s system will be one to watch.

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Stat Of The Game: 50.8% 

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Ryukyu has been nearly flawless for most of the 2024-25 campaign, opening with a perfect 4-0 record before suffering its first EASL loss earlier this month. However, the team returned to form in dominant fashion on Wednesday, setting a new season-high field goal percentage of 50.8% in the win over Meralco.

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Whether through precise shot-making or crisp ball movement along the perimeter, Ryukyu consistently found quality looks at the basket. And when they weren’t scoring through structured offensive sets, they capitalized on Meralco’s mistakes, turning a season-worst 14 turnovers into valuable points at PhilSports Arena.

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Next Games: 

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Meralco Bolts

• Away vs. New Taipei Kings — Feb. 12, 2025 

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Ryukyu Golden Kings

• The Ryukyu Golden Kings have completed all six of their regular season games for the 2024-25 EASL campaign.