Durham falls to ex-team Ryukyu as Meralco absorbs narrow EASL loss
MANILA, Philippines – It was not the result Allen Durham had hoped for in his Japan homecoming as his present and former teams clashed in the East Asia Super League.
Durham saw his game-tying three-pointer blocked and the Meralco Bolts absorbed a heartbreaking 77-74 road loss to Japan B. League side Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Okinawa Arena on Wednesday, October 16.
With a chance to force overtime, Durham fired a stepback triple with a second left only for it to be swatted away by Ryukyu import Victor Law as Meralco fell short after nearly erasing an 11-point deficit in the final three minutes.
The Bolts trailed 77-66 with 2:50 minutes remaining before they uncorked an 8-0 run, with Durham sinking a pair of free throws to pull Meralco within 74-77.
But the Golden Kings averted disaster thanks to Law as they won their opening game in the EASL to go up 1-0 in Group B.
Durham finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in the loss that dropped Meralco to 1-1.
Although now playing for a different team, Durham received a warm reception from the fans of the Ryukyu club he reinforced for three years and powered to a B. League championship last year.
Law chalked up 18 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks to lead the Golden Kings, while Jack Cooley also scored 18 points on top of 7 rebounds.
DJ Kennedy paced the Bolts with 30 points and 12 rebounds while shooting a prolific 13-of-19 from the field, although he gave up a crack at the game-tying basket and instead dished the ball to Durham.
Chris Newsome carried the scoring load for the Meralco locals with 18 points, with no other Bolts’ player putting up at least 5 points.
Meralco hopes to rediscover its winning ways when it hosts Korean Basketball League squad Busan KCC Egis on November 13 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Scores
Ryukyu 77 — Law 18, Cooley 18, Kirk 12, Matsuwaki 9, Uematsu 9, Waki 6, Kishimoto 3, Arakawa 2, Onodera 0.
Meralco 74 — Kennedy 30, Durham 18, Newsome 18, Quinto 4, Kouame 4, Banchero 0, Almazan 0, Caram 0, Bates 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 51-35, 66-57, 77-74.
– Rappler.com