Taoyuan: The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots have made a significant impact in their East Asia Super League (EASL) debut season by clinching a spot in the league's Final Four. This achievement came after a decisive victory in a crucial game on Wednesday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the P.LEAGUE (PLG) leaders dominated Hong Kong Eastern with a score of 87-61 in front of a home crowd exceeding 5,000 spectators. Leading the charge was reigning PLG MVP Lu Chun-hsiang, who delivered a game-high 33 points. Lu's early performance was pivotal, as he sank three three-pointers, contributing 11 of the Pilots' first 14 points, while Hong Kong Eastern struggled to find their footing.
Both teams entered the game tied for second in Group A with 3-2 records, making the match crucial for determining the semifinal contender alongside Japan's B.LEAGUE Hiroshima Dragonflies. Despite a challenging night, Hong Kong Eastern managed to reduce the deficit to 45-29 at halftime after a difficult 32-7 first quarter. However, the Pilots maintained a lead of approximately 20 points throughout the second half.
Lu acknowledged the team's control over the game but stressed the importance of staying focused as they prepare to face stronger opponents in Macao in the next round. Alongside Lu's stellar performance, Trevon Graham contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Alec Brown added 13 points.
Glen Yang, who led the Hong Kong team with 16 points, commended the Pilots' progress, particularly highlighting Lu's impressive gameplay. Yang had previously played 11 games for the Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers in the 2023-24 PLG season, averaging 7.2 points.
According to EASL regulations, Taoyuan will face Group B's top finisher, the Ryukyu Golden Kings of the B.LEAGUE, in the EASL Final Four scheduled for March 7-9. Meanwhile, the Dragonflies will compete against the second finisher from Group A.
The New Taipei Kings, formerly part of the PLG and now competing in the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL), will contend for the final Group B slot on February 12 against the Meralco Bolts from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). If the Kings advance, it would mark the first instance of two Taiwanese teams reaching the EASL semifinals.
