[Saba Sports News] Akil Mitchell refound his winning rhythm as the Meralco Bolts pulled off a thrilling comeback to beat Busan KCC Egis 81-80 in the second season of the East Asian Super League (EASL).
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Mitchell, 32, scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback with a game-high 33 points. He hit a crucial free throw in the final 6.4 seconds to give Melalco the dramatic win. The win was significant for Melalco, the defending PBA Philippine Cup champion.
Mitchell also had 22 rebounds, the last of which came after Busan’s Heo Ung missed a jumper, prompting Leon Williams to foul and send Mitchell to the free throw line.
Although Jung Changyoung’s last-second knockout shot from the back failed to hit, Melalco eventually escaped by a single point to clinch their second win in three matches and their best record in the tournament.
Melaco coach Luigi Trillo praised Mitchell’s experience: “He’s been through a lot and he knows how to win.” Mitchell will continue to play in the Commissioner’s Cup as a foreign aid for the Melalco Shock team.