Rousing start for EASL season

Two games got EASL's second home-and-away season off to a rousing start before a big crowd at the MOA Arena last Wednesday with celebrities, basketball figures and the league's team owners from six countries soaking in the festivities.

- BY JOAQUIN M. HENSON

Korean Basketball League runnerup Suwon KT Sonicboom drew first blood by stunning San Miguel Beer, 87-81 then PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco trounced newcomer Macau Black Bears, 9785, in the nightcap.

Organizers set up a stage on one end of the venue with food and drinks for VIPs. Dance groups entertained the audience during timeouts and halftime. EASL's resident DJ Nix Pernia or Nix Damn P kept the music going. T-shirts and mini-balls were tossed to the crowd. Sound effects were loudly blasted when there were airballs and missed free throws. The atmosphere was NBAlike and even the arena announcer got in the act, lowering his voice for every visiting basket, screaming at every home conversion and calling on fans to shout "defense" whenever Suwon or Macau had possession. The fans enjoyed every second and EASL CEO Henry Kerins was all smiles.