What Happened:

If you still need proof that anything can happen in the EASL, ask Hong Kong Eastern.

Bannered by a superb all-around performance from locals and imports, Hong Kong Eastern won a decisive victory over Ryukyu Golden Kings, 104-96 at the Okinawa Suntory Arena.

Not even the beautiful LED floor of the Golden Kings’ home court was able to distract Eastern from the task at hand, as they began the game with a different kind of purpose and intensity. They opened the game with a 14-3 run that left the Golden Kings stunned to begin the game.

Ryukyu was able to respond and trim the first-quarter deficit. But Eastern continued their stellar play, as they entered the half still up by double digits, 58-44.

It was the 3rd quarter that would break the game open, as timely makes from Jenning Leung and brilliant point guard play from Akili Vining further extended the lead of Hong Kong. They would open up a 20- point lead, 86-66, which was enough of a cushion to cruise to victory.

Akili Vining finished with a game-high 25 points, while Jenning Leung and Robert Pan each chipped in 23 points for Hong Kong Eastern.

Jack Cooley topscored with 26 points, and also made history as the newest member of the 300-point club in the EASL. Kiefer Ravena chipped in with 13 points in the loss.

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What It Means

The Golden Kings have long been one of the most successful teams in both the B.LEAGUE and the EASL. But Hong Kong Eastern showed that any giant can still be taken down.

After all, not only did Hong Kong Eastern grab the victory, but they also handed the Golden Kings their first-ever loss at home in the Okinawa Suntory Arena. That’s a stunning feat, considering all the great teams from EASL’s history that have competed in the Golden Kings’ home.

Ryukyu will have several opportunities to lick their wounds and bounce back. But in this instance, it’s Hong Kong Eastern that can celebrate making EASL history.

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‍Player of the Game & Super Statistic: Akili Vining’s 14 Assists

Hong Kong Eastern’s Akili Vining was so outstanding, we went ahead and combined two categories and gave both to him.

Not only was he stellar in pacing the team with 25 points, Vining also had 14 assists, which ties Choi Wonhyuk for the all-time single-game assists record in EASL play. With Akili at the forefront, the wealth was definitely spread in Hong Kong’s impressive victory.

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Next Up:

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As fate would have it, the rematch between these two squads will be each team’s next game.

Brace for what should be a hard-fought rematch, as Hong Kong Eastern and the Ryukyu Golden Kings collide once again on December 3, 2026.

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