Bolts kiss EASL hopes goodbye

MANILA, Philippines — Taiwan’s New Taipei pulled the plug on Meralco’s Final Four bid in the East Asia Super League with a 106-96 double-overtime victory Wednesday night at the University of Taipei Gymnasium.

The Kings wiped out a nine-point lead in the last seven minutes of regulation then outlasted the reigning PBA Philippine Cup kingpins in the final push to claim the last seat to the F4.

The Taiwanese finished Group B at second with 4-2 and joined topnotcher and early qualifier Ryukyu Golden Kings (5-1) in the next round.

The Bolts wound up fourth at 2-4, left to rue their failure to finish off the Kings in regulation.