Hong Kong Eastern secured its second straight East Asia Super League (EASL) victory on Tuesday, defeating Suwon KT Sonicboom 69-61. The win keeps Hong Kong alive in the battle for one of two Final Four berths in Group A, as a loss would have eliminated the expansion team from postseason contention.

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Eastern looked in control from the start, leading KT for most of the game at Southorn Stadium. They held the visitors to single digits in the first quarter and took a 36-23 lead into halftime. Although Suwon outscored them 38-33 in the second half, clutch 3-pointers from Hayden Blankley and Glen Yang down the stretch secured the win.

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Post-game Triple 

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A Tale of 2 Halves

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Hong Kong Eastern appeared to be cruising at halftime, fueled by efficient ball movement, high-percentage shooting, and forcing Suwon KT into turnovers. They jumped out to a 19-7 first-quarter lead and held a 13-point advantage at the break. But the Sonicboom stormed back in the second half, even briefly taking the lead late in the fourth quarter.

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The turning point came in the third quarter when Suwon KT head coach Song Young-Jin switched to a zone defense, disrupting Eastern's rhythm. The zone clogged the lane and pressured Hong Kong’s guards, making it difficult for them to execute their halfcourt sets.

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As Eastern's offense cooled, Suwon KT capitalized by forcing turnovers, pushing the pace in transition, and finding their range from beyond the arc. With 1:23 left, Ismael Romero’s hook shot in the paint put the visitors up 61-60. However, Eastern responded with key offensive plays in the closing moments to secure a narrow victory.

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Ismael Romero Leads Suwon KT 

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Suwon KT had a rough outing at Southorn Stadium. The 2023-24 Korean Basketball League (KBL) runners-up committed 15 turnovers, hit the foul limit early, and shot just 33% from the field. One bright spot, however, was the performance of their newly acquired import, Ismael Romero.

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In his EASL debut, Romero recorded a team-high 15 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first Sonicboom player in over a month to register a double-double. The naturalized Puerto Rican made his presence felt on both ends, chasing offensive boards, locking down opposing big men, and throwing down a few highlight-reel dunks.

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Without Romero, Suwon KT’s struggles would have been even more pronounced. For much of the second half, he was the team’s lone import on the floor, as Rayshaun Hammonds was sidelined with an apparent lower-leg injury. Despite the loss, Romero’s strong showing offers KT fans a glimmer of hope ahead of their final regular season EASL game.

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Clark, McLaughlin Impress Again 

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Although Hong Kong struggled to fend off a fierce Suwon KT comeback in the second half, the stellar performances of imports Cameron Clark and Chris McLaughlin had built a cushion big enough to secure the win.

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After missing Eastern’s previous EASL game with a minor injury, Clark returned against the Sonicboom without missing a beat. He delivered a game-high 17 points on 63.6% shooting, including two 3-pointers. Whenever Eastern’s offense stalled, it seemed Clark provided the spark they needed to get back on track.

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McLaughlin, meanwhile, recorded his fourth consecutive double-double, finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds, including three on the offensive glass. Known for his close-range scoring, the 6-foot-10 center also impressed with his pull-up jumper, knocking down a couple of tough shots over Romero’s solid defense.

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The pairing of Clark and McLaughlin will be crucial for Hong Kong's bid for a Final Four spot, with the team now riding a two-game win streak and sitting third in Group A.

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EASL Player of the Game: Hayden Blankley — Hong Kong Eastern

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Hayden Blankley didn’t lead in points or rebounds on Tuesday, but he delivered when it mattered most. With Eastern trailing 61-60 and 1:10 remaining, Blankley sank a crucial 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Hong Kong a 63-61 lead, which they never lost.

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A mid-season signing, Blankley finished with a season-high 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Although he struggled from beyond the arc, ultimately shooting 1-for-7, he came through with the biggest shot of the game and contributed an excellent all-around performance.

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Stat of the Game: 23

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In a disappointing performance, Suwon KT scored just 23 points in the first half, the fewest by any team in a half this season. In the first quarter, KT managed only seven points, matching their own league-worst for a single quarter set on Oct. 23.

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This offensive struggle is part of a troubling trend for the Sonicboom. They finished with just  61 points, marking the second time in five games they've scored under 65 points. Only one other team, the winless San Miguel Beermen, have done the same. 

While the loss doesn’t eliminate Suwon KT from postseason contention, they now find themselves in a tough spot. In fourth place in Group A with one game left, their playoff fate may be sealed before their final regular season game on Feb. 12.

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Next Games: 

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Hong Kong Eastern 

• Away vs. San Miguel Beermen (PBA) — Jan. 15, 2025 

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Suwon KT Sonicboom 

• Home vs. San Miguel Beermen (PBA) — Feb. 12, 2025