What Happened:

The Ryukyu Golden Kings emerged victorious on the road, winning in impressive fashion over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 103-97 in Taoyuan Arena, Taoyuan City. 

The two debuting squads were locked in a dogfight, with the biggest lead being only 10 points by the Golden Kings. A layup by Jonah Morrison gave the Pilots the lead in the 3rd period with 3:59 remaining. The Golden Kings would ultimately recover, and open up a six point lead in the fourth period, 83-77, as the Golden Kings threatened to pull away early.

The Pilots would respond, putting a strong of baskets highlighted by a Morrison layup to pull ahead, 92-91. But Asian import Kiefer Ravena would respond with a clutch triple for the Golden Kings, pushing the team ahead once again, 94-92. Timely freethrows from David Nwaba and Sota Oura would help preserve the win for the Golden Kings on the road.

Ryukyu was led by Sota, who contributed 20 points and 7 assists. Cooley chipped in a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

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What It Means:‍

Though the Golden Kings would emerge victorious, the matchup between the two teams showed why many have them penciled as potential championship contenders this season in the EASL. The shooting percentages for both teams was scintillating, with the Pilots shooting 51% from the field on 67% from the 2-pt line, while the Golden Kings were on fire from the perimeter, making 16/33 triples on 48% from the field. It was a sign that both teams are loaded for bear, and will look to make a deep push this season in the EASL. ‍

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Player of the Game:‍

While the Golden Kings were on fire from outside, they have to credit the rock solid presence in the paint of veteran Jack Cooley. The EASL All-Time leader in rebounds added more to his haul, as he finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

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Super Statistic: 16 Three Pointers Made‍

The Golden Kings’ sniping from the perimeter was the difference maker in what would prove to be a tight match down the stretch. Led by Shota Onodera’s 5 made triples, several other Golden Kings were en fuego as Ravena and Masahiro Waki made 3 triples each, and David Nwaba and Oura chipping in 2 each.‍

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Next Up:‍

The Golden Kings will look to make it back to back wins, as they host Hong Kong Eastern at home in the Okinawa Suntory Arena in Okinawa, Japan on November 4.

The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on the other hand will have to wait for awhile before their second EASL match, as they face Hong Kong Eastern on December 26.