Abando, SK Knights rule EASL

OKINAWA – Rhenz Abando was the biggest winner among Filipinos in the East Asia Super League Champions Week.

On Sunday, Abando and his Korean team, Anyang KGC, prevailed over Seoul SK Knights in a thrilling rivalry finale, 90-84, to crown themselves kings of the region.

Abando and company bested not only their domestic nemesis but also elite squads from Japan, Hong Kong, Taipei and his native Philippines, represented by San Miguel Beer and TNT.

“Worthy experience ito para sa akin and happy ako pero ang main goal talaga is yung KBL,” said Abando, referring to Korea’s topflight league where Anyang holds the lead and has a legit crack at the diadem.

One of the stalwarts of the Pinoy invasion in overseas leagues, the two-time NCAA champion with Letran is on course for another personal milestone.

“Pinagdarasal ko talaga na sana ako ‘yung maging first Filipino na maging champion sa KBL. Sana palarin kami,” he said.

“Kailangan lang namin i-maintain kung ano’ng nilalaro namin. Kailangan namin pagbutihan lagi kasi marami pang mangyayari. Kailangan ready lang kami,” said the Pinoy import.

He considered this triumphant EASL campaign a major boost to getting there. Abando scored 11 in the clincher, following up his 22-point explosion in the finalsclinching rout of PBA kingpin San Miguel Beer, 142-87. The scores: Anyang 90 – Monroe 21, Spellman 19, Byeon 16, Abando 11, Park 11, Bae 9, Moon 3, Jong 0, Yang 0, Han 0.

Seoul 84 – Sun 25, Warney 22, Williams 17, Il 12, Won 5, Jae 3, Chung 0, Buk 0.

Quarterscores: 25-27, 49-37, 66-61, 90-84.