The Meralco Bolts let their third win in EASL slip away behind the late-game heroics of Heo Ung to give Busan KCC Egis its first win in 2024-25 EASL season.
The Meralco Bolts suffered a huge late-game meltdown after losing to the Busan KCC Egis, 68-72, in the 2024-25 East Asia Super League (EASL) on Wednesday, December 18, at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium.
The Bolts looked like they were on their way to their third win in EASL, nearing a Final Four berth.
Leading at 66-53 with 4:02 left in the game, the Bolts saw their 13-point lead disappear at the hands of sharpshooter Heo Ung, who sank four straight triples to cut the lead to just one.
Meralco still had a chance to secure the win, but a missed layup by Chris Newsome saw Ung free on the fast break as he scored an easy layup to give Busan the lead.
With just four seconds left in the game, the Bolts turned to the returning Akil Mitchell, who put up an ill-advised turn-around jumper that failed to hit the rim.
To make matters worse, Mitchell also fouled Deonte Burton from beyond the arc, further extending Busan’s lead.
Ung finished with a game-high 31 points, 17 of which came in the final four minutes of the game. Burton added 26 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists in the comeback win.
David Kennedy paced the Bolts with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Mitchell had 17 markers and 18 boards.
Meralco’s next game in the EASL will be on January 22 when they face the undefeated Ryukyu Golden Kings.
Meanwhile, Busan will be back on January 15 as they go for their second straight win against the Macau Black Bears.