Busan KCC, the 먹튀검증 “Korean professional basketball champion,” suffered its second consecutive East Asian Super League (EASL) defeat in an away match in the Philippines.
KCC lost 80-81 to Meralco Boltz (Philippines) in the second round of the 2024-25 EASL B group stage at PhilSports Arena in Pasig, Philippines on the 13th.
KCC, which was completely defeated 97-111 by the Macau Black Bears (Macao) on the 6th, lost two games and was at the bottom of the five teams in Group B.
In Group B, the Ryukyu Golden Kings (Japan) took the lead with two wins, followed by Meralco (two wins and one loss) and Macau (two wins and two losses). The New Taipei King’s (Taiwan) team, which has one loss, ranked fourth with one loss.
KCC led the first half 53-42, 11 points, but struggled in the third quarter due to Meralco’s counterattack. The two teams also scored 15 points in the quarter, narrowing the distance.
KCC ran 75-67 with Lee Keun-hwi’s three-point shot in the middle of the fourth quarter, but Deonte Burton left the game five times with about four minutes left.
KCC, which was holding out with Heo Woong’s 3-point shot and Leon Williams’ 2-point shot, failed to block the opponent’s outer shot 31 seconds before the end, allowing an 80-80 tie. Since then, Heo Woong’s 3-point shot failed, and he lost the game in reverse by dedicating a free throw at the end of the game.
Burton struggled with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, and Heo Woong had 14 points and 3 assists.
KCC will try to win its first EASL title in an away game against Ryukyu on Dec. 4.
