Red Boosters take EASL bronze

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — No Rhenz Abando, no problem.

Dethroned champion Anyang, even without the Filipino import, took the next possible prize by escaping past New Taipei with a thrilling 78-76 win for the bronze medal in the East Asia Super League (EASL) yesterday at the Hoops Dome here.

The Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters nearly blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter but held on for a podium finish in EASL’s first home-and-away season after ruling the Champions Week in Japan last year.

Ji-Hoon Park put on a show in front of the roaring Filipino fans with 29 points on three triples along with eight rebounds and three steals as Anyang was quick to shrug off a tough 94-79 defeat to Korean rival Seoul in the semifinals.

Park’s outburst included seven points in the payoff period, where the Red Boosters built a 72-62 lead only to almost fold in the clutch before banking on its defensive teeth to win a $250,000 prize.

Imports Robert Carter Jr. (18 points, 15 rebounds) and Jamil Wilson (11 points, 12 rebounds), and Hyogeun Jeong with 11 points on two triples also delivered for the reigning Korean Basketball League (KBL) champion.