Late Foul Completes Meralco's Comeback over KCC

November 13, 2024 – PhilSports Arena, Manila, Philippines

The Meralco Bolts staged a thrilling comeback to defeat the 2024 KBL champions, Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, securing their second win of the 2024-25 EASL season. 

KCC had led for over 36 minutes, but the game turned in the final minutes after KCC’s two import big men, Deonte Burton and Leon Williams, both fouled out in the fourth quarter. New 

Bolts signee Akil Mitchell, who joined the team just days before the game, delivered a game-high 33 points to earn EASL Player of the Game honors.

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Post-Game Triple:

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1. Playing Without Imports Late

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Busan KCC Egis committed 23 fouls over the course of the game, with both of their import big men, Deonte Burton and Leon Williams, fouling out in the fourth quarter. This proved pivotal to KCC’s collapse, as Meralco took advantage of KCC's depleted frontcourt. With momentum already swinging in their favor, the Bolts capitalized on the absence of KCC's interior presence, driving to the basket with ease.

Burton, who had been a dominant force for KCC, finished with 26 points and 9 rebounds, while Williams contributed 9 points and 13 rebounds. But with both players sidelined late in the game, KCC’s defense faltered, allowing Meralco to complete their comeback.

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2. Epic Finish Seals Meralco’s Win

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The Bolts trailed by as much as 9 points early in the fourth quarter. But as they began to chip away at KCC’s lead, Burton fouled out with just over 4 minutes remaining. Akil Mitchell made the most of his opportunity, hitting an and-one to tie the game at 75 with just over 3 minutes to go.

KCC quickly responded as 2024 KBL Finals MVP Heo Ung nailed a contested straightaway three-pointer to regain the lead with 2 minutes remaining. The teams traded baskets in the closing moments, with KCC still holding a three-point lead with under a minute to go.

On Meralco’s next possession, the Bolts worked the ball around until Kier "Bong" Quinto drained an elbow three to tie the game at 78 with 31 seconds left. KCC then worked the clock down, hoping for a last-second score or at least to send the game to overtime. Heo Ung, looking to play hero, attempted another contested three-pointer, but it fell short.

As both Mitchell and Williams fought for the rebound, Williams was called for a loose-ball foul. With the Bolts in the bonus, Mitchell stepped to the line and hit the go-ahead free throw, sealing the victory for Meralco and handing them their second win of the season.

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3. Heo Ung’s EASL Struggles Continue

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Heo Ung, the face of South Korean basketball and the 2024 KBL Finals MVP, has yet to find his rhythm in the EASL. 

After leading KCC to a KBL title with standout performances last season—averaging 18.8 points on 56% shooting and 5.4 assists in the Finals—Heo has struggled in his two EASL appearances. In those games, he is averaging just 13 points while shooting a mere 29% from the field. His playmaking has also dipped significantly, with just 1.5 assists per game.

Heo will need to find his form if KCC is to climb out of the bottom of the Group B standings.

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EASL Player of the Game: Akil Mitchell - Meralco Bolts

Akil Mitchell, signed by Meralco just a day before the game, was thrust into a major role as the Bolts' new import, replacing Allen Durham. Durham had been a key contributor for Meralco in the 2024 PBA Governor’s Cup and the first two EASL games, averaging 17.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in two EASL contests.

Mitchell wasted no time making an impact, scoring a game-high 33 points on 52% shooting while also grabbing 22 rebounds—dominating both ends of the floor. His 30-20 performance marked the first such game in EASL history.

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Stat of the Game: 54-16

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The Bolts used their size to overpower KCC in the paint, outscoring them 54-16 inside.

Meralco connected on 27 two-point field goals, all of them coming from the paint. Mitchell led the charge with 11-of-20 shooting from inside, while D.J. Kennedy added 10 points from the paint to finish with 14 points.

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Quote of the Game: Akil Mitchell on Kier Quinto’s Game-Tying 3-pointer

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“I saw a double coming. We were due for one, man. We couldn’t hit a shot all night. I just got here a few days ago. I’m completely new, so to trust these guys, swing it around, it was amazing. It’s great to be here!”

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Next Games:

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• Meralco Bolts: Away vs. Busan KCC Egis (KBL) - Dec. 18, 2024
• Busan KCC Egis: Away vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE) - Dec. 4, 2024