The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots delivered a historic performance in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 but fell just short of claiming the championship. In a nail-biting 72-68 defeat against the Hiroshima Dragonflies in Macao on Sunday, the Pilots secured second place, marking the furthest advancement of any Taiwan-based team in EASL history.
Despite the loss, Pilots’ head coach Iurgi Caminos remained determined and vowed to bring the championship trophy home in the 2025-26 season.
“I want to be back here and bring the trophy to Taiwan,” Caminos stated during the post-game press conference.
Game Location and Context
- The EASL 2024-25 final was held in Macao on Sunday, March 10, 2025.
- The tournament featured top professional basketball clubs from East Asia, with the Pilots making history as the first Taiwanese team to reach the final.
- This was the third encounter between the Pilots and Dragonflies, with Hiroshima winning all three matchups.
Match Highlights & Performance
- First Half:
- The Hiroshima Dragonflies took an early lead and maintained control through most of the game.
- By the third quarter, they had extended their lead to 13 points.
- Comeback Attempt:
- The Pilots launched an 18-7 run, closing the gap to 51-49 before the final quarter.
- With 1:18 minutes left, Treveon Graham hit a three-pointer, giving the Pilots a 68-67 lead.
- Final Moments & Turnovers:
- The game slipped away in the last 30 seconds, with the Pilots committing three costly turnovers.
- Dwayne Evans capitalized on the first turnover, scoring to reclaim the lead for Hiroshima.
- Lu Chun-hsiang (盧峻翔) lost possession twice, leading to Ryu Watanabe’s game-sealing layup.
- Final Score:
- Hiroshima Dragonflies 72 – Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 68.
Key Player Performances
Hiroshima Dragonflies
- Dwayne Evans led the team with a double-double:
- 18 points & 11 rebounds.
- Ryu Watanabe played a crucial role in securing the victory with his game-deciding layup.
Taoyuan Pauian Pilots
- Lu Chun-hsiang (盧峻翔) scored a game-high 20 points but had crucial turnovers in the final seconds.
- Treveon Graham contributed significantly, briefly giving the Pilots a late-game lead.
Post-Match Reactions
- Lu Chun-hsiang admitted this was “the toughest game” of his career but promised to improve.
- Despite the heartbreak, he emphasized that “Every moment that exposed my weaknesses will help me grow.”
- Coach Caminos expressed his pride in the team’s performance and is already focused on next season.
Prize Money Distribution
Under EASL regulations, the top three teams received cash prizes:
- 🏆 Hiroshima Dragonflies – US$1 million.
- 🥈 Taoyuan Pauian Pilots – US$500,000.
- 🥉 New Taipei Kings – US$250,000.
In the third-place game, the New Taipei Kings defeated Ryukyu Golden Kings 84-80, with Jeremy Lin (林書豪) assisting Su Shih-hsuan (蘇士軒) for the game-winning shot.
Conclusion
The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots may have fallen short of the title, but their historic performance in the EASL 2024-25 has set the stage for even greater success. With a determined coach, key players committed to improvement, and a taste of championship contention, the team is poised to return stronger in 2025-26.
FAQs
What is the East Asia Super League (EASL)?
The East Asia Super League (EASL) is a professional basketball competition featuring top teams from East Asia, including clubs from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, China, and the Philippines.
Where was the EASL 2024-25 final held?
The championship game took place in Macao on March 10, 2025.
Who won the EASL 2024-25 championship?
The Hiroshima Dragonflies won the EASL 2024-25 title, defeating the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 72-68 in the final.
How far did the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots advance?
The Pilots finished as runners-up, marking the best-ever finish by a Taiwanese team in EASL history.
How did Lu Chun-hsiang react to the loss?
Lu expressed disappointment but stated that the game helped him identify his weaknesses for future improvement.
