The Meralco Bolts will need to win their final match in the 2024-25 EASL season to move on to the Final Four after bowing to the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
The Meralco Bolts failed to beat the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the 2024-25 EASL season after falling in their home match, 89-71, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Wednesday, January 22.
The Bolts managed to keep it close in the first half behind its locals led by Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge as import DJ Kennedy struggled, while Akil Mitchell sat out the match.
But come the third quarter, Ryukyu, who were without former NBA player Jack Cooley, pushed ahead for a 19-point lead behind import Vic Law and point guard Ryuichi Kishimoto.
Meralco tried their best to mount a comeback in the fourth but the Golden Kings had an answer for every rally thrown at them.
Law led the way for Ryukyu with 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Alex Kirik and Keve Aluma had 19 and 18 markers, respectively.
With the win, Ryukyu secured the top spot in Group B with a 5-1 record as Golden Kings prepare for the Final Four.
Meanwhile, the Bolts are placed in a must-win situation in their final match against the New Tapei Kings on February 12.
Hodge paced Meralco with 13 points, while Chris Newsome and Ange Kouame added 12 and 11 in the loss.