The Red Boosters hold on for a two-point win vs. New Taipei, taking third and $250,000 prize money in the East Asia Super League.
LAPU-LAPU CITY — Anyang may have lost its EASL title but the Red Boosters are not going back to Korea empty-handed after coming all the way to see action at the Hoops Dome here.
The Red Boosters survived a fourth-quarter comeback from New Taipei Kings and a frenetic finish, holding on for a 78-76 win Sunday.
Anyang sealed third place in the win, which comes as a consolation after a tough season both in the EASL and in Korea for the KBL. Third place also allowed the Red Boosters to pocket a cool $250,000 in prize money.
Even after a strong first half from Anyang, the Kings showed a potential of a comeback by responding with a solid third quarter.
However, the Red Boosters stayed in control, restoring an 11-point lead early in the fourth off a triple from Park Jihoon.
That’s when New Taipei’s switch flipped, and behind Kenny Manigault, Hayden Blankey and Austin Daye, the Kings got to as close to one, 73-74, with still 5:24 remaining.
It was back-to-forth to the finish then, with New Taipei having a chance for the win or force overtime after getting a key stop on Anyang in the final 10 seconds.
The Red Boosters would respond a stop of their own though, as Yang Chin-Min committed a turnover trying to get the ball to Joseph Lin just as time expired.
Park Jihoon led Anyang with 29 big points, to go along with eight rebounds and three steals.
Robert Carter Jr. added 18 points and 15 rebounds for the Red Boosters, while Jamil Wilson and Jeong Hyogeun wound up with 11 apiece. Rhenz Abando sat the game out for Anyang as he continues to regain full strength for his injured back.
Manigault paced the Kings with 18 points. Daye and Yang scored 15 each and Lin finished with 13 in the losing effort.
Jeremy Lin also sat the game out, missing the entire Final Four weekend due to a foot injury.
Despite the loss, New Taipei gets the honor of being the first team from Taiwan to make the EASL semifinals.