What Happened:

Busan KCC Egis showed their might once again in the EASL, as they downed the visiting Macau Hou Chon, 108-94 at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium.

Reeling from back-to-back losses to start the EASL campaign, Hou Chon fell behind early to the KBL Champions, 19-12 in the first period, before eventually trailing by double digits to end the first period, 35-25.

Behind the inspired play of Dillon Stith, who had 20 points in the first half alone, Hou Chon would battle back in the second period and outscore Busan. Back-to-back triples from Damian Chongqui would trim the deficit to six points, 72-66, with 4:30 remaining in the third quarter.

But ultimately it would not be enough, as the brilliant scoring of Shawn Michael Long and Louis Dajon King would be enough to keep Hou Chon at bay and earn the decisive victory.

King and Long shared game-high honors in scoring with 34 points apiece, while Heo Ung was also brilliant with 23 points and 11 assists. Stith contributed 30 points for Hou Chon in the loss.

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What It Means:

Defense has been a sore spot all EASL season long for Hou Chon, and ultimately this game would be no different.

Once again, Hou Chon gave up over 100 points to their opponent- a sign that they need to clean up a lot on that side of the floor.

For Busan, the victory showed what the squad is capable of when they are firing on all cylinders. With a pair of dynamic scorers in King and Long, if the locals can contribute, Busan will be a tough out all season long.

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Player of the Game: Heo Ung

Ung was the difference maker in the Busan victory. The 23 points and 4 steals are lovely, but it was his playmaking and perimeter shooting that were on point for Egis. With 11 assists and 4 triples, it’s safe to say that Heo played a near-perfect game quarterbacking for his team.

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Super Statistic: 56 Points In The Paint

Busan’s scouting report looked simple: look to penetrate inside early and often, and get buckets at the weak spot of Hou Chon’s defense - the interior.

That’s exactly what happened, as Busan attacked relentlessly and forced 56 points in the paint against Hou Chon.

This will definitely need to be cleaned up by Hou Chon should they look to make a deep run in the EASL.

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Next Up:

Hou Chon’s next opportunity to earn their first EASL win will come on December 12, as they travel to the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium for a rematch against the Taipei Fubon Braves on December 12.

Busan will be back in action next week, November 11, as they test their mettle against the Braves as well. That match will be at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium.