Nov 12, 2024

EASL: Meralco, San Miguel take on separate foes at home

SAN Miguel and Meralco return to action in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 as they host visiting teams from Chinese Taipei and South Korea on Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena.

The Beermen will try to redeem themselves at home as they tackle the Taoyuan Pilots of the P.League+ at 6:10 p.m.

Two hours later, the Bolts take the court against reigning Korean Basketball League champion Busan KCC Egis.

This marks the first game of both PBA teams since being booted out of the Governors' Cup playoffs

The Beermen, who lost to Barangay Ginebra Kings in the semifinals, will continue to parade the import tandem of EJ Anosike and Quincy Miller.

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The two were on board when San Miguel lost to another KBL team in Suwon KT Sonicboom, 87-81, at the Mall of Asia Arena during the season opener.

Anosike had a team-high 34 points against the Sonicboom, but Miller was held to just eight points on 16 percent shooting from the field.

Against the Pilots, the 6-foot-10 Miller will have his hands full against 7-foot Alec Brown, who was a second round pick of the Phoenix Suns during the 2015 NBA draft.

Taoyuan's other import is Treveon Graham, who played for Charlotte, Brooklyn, Minnesota, and Atlanta. He averaged 32 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists for the 1-0 Pilots, who won their opening match against the Sonicboom on the road, 91-70.

Meanwhile, Meralco parades a new import in Akil Mitchell as replacement for the well-loved Allen Durham.

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The 36-year-old Durham decided to retire from playing after the Bolts lost to his former team Ryukyu Golden Kings on the road, 77-74.

The Bolts, who were swept by the Kings in the quarterfinals, had an even 1-1 slate with Durham teaming up with fellow import DJ Kennedy, winning their initial assignment against the Macau Black Bears, 97-85, also at the MoA during the Oct. 2 opener.

The 6-foot-9 Mitchell is expected to form a formidable frontcourt with Meralco along with Kennedy, naturalized player Ange Kouame, and veteran center Raymond Almazan.

Meanwhile, Busan eyes to score a breakthrough win this season as it plays on the road for the second straight game.

Former NBA player Deonte Burton reinforces the KBL champions along with Leon Williams.

The 2018 KBL Import MVP, Burton dropped 35 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists in a 111-97 loss to the Black Bears in Macau last week. (RG)