Abra Weavers Hold Off Hong Kong Eastern 79-72 in East Asia Super League Battle

Abra Weavers opened their East Asia Super League campaign with a hard-fought 79-72 victory over Hong Kong Eastern on October 3, 2026. In a game defined by defensive intensity and timely shot-making, the Weavers protected their home floor and handed Hong Kong Eastern a tough road loss in the group stage.

The seven-point final margin was not indicative of how tense the game felt for long stretches. Abra led by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, but Hong Kong Eastern rallied behind a barrage of three-pointers to cut the deficit to four late in the fourth. The Weavers responded with poise at the free-throw line and a pair of clutch defensive stops to seal the win.

Match Overview

Both teams came out with high energy, trading baskets in a fast-paced first quarter. Abra Weavers used their size advantage inside to build an early 20-18 lead, while Hong Kong Eastern relied on quick ball movement and perimeter shooting to stay close. The second quarter saw Abra gradually extend their advantage, thanks to a 10-2 run midway through the period. A late Hong Kong Eastern three-pointer trimmed the halftime margin to 41-35.

The third quarter was Abra’s best stretch. Their defense forced several turnovers, leading to transition points, and a 12-3 run pushed the lead to 61-47. Hong Kong Eastern refused to fold, however, and entered the fourth quarter trailing 61-54 after a buzzer-beating jumper.

Quarter-by-quarter scoring:

• First quarter: Abra Weavers 20, Hong Kong Eastern 18
• Second quarter: Abra Weavers 21, Hong Kong Eastern 17
• Third quarter: Abra Weavers 20, Hong Kong Eastern 19
• Fourth quarter: Abra Weavers 18, Hong Kong Eastern 18
• Final score: Abra Weavers 79, Hong Kong Eastern 72

Abra Weavers finished with a balanced scoring attack, placing four players in double figures. Hong Kong Eastern’s comeback was powered by their bench, but they could not overcome a cold shooting stretch in the middle of the third quarter.

Key Moments That Decided the Game

The decisive sequence came with just over three minutes remaining. Hong Kong Eastern had cut the lead to 73-69 after back-to-back three-pointers, and the momentum seemed to be shifting. Abra Weavers responded with a patient offensive possession that ended in a driving layup from guard Mark Belmonte. On the next defensive trip, Abra’s Darius Carter blocked a potential game-tying three-pointer, leading to a fast-break dunk that pushed the lead back to eight.

Hong Kong Eastern had one final chance to make it a one-possession game with under a minute left, but a contested three-pointer rimmed out. Abra secured the rebound, hit two free throws, and closed out the victory.

Tactical Story: Inside Presence vs. Perimeter Attack

Abra Weavers built their win on interior dominance and rebounding. They outscored Hong Kong Eastern 42-28 in the paint and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, leading to 17 second-chance points. Carter was a force on both ends, altering shots and controlling the glass. The Weavers also did an excellent job of attacking the rim, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 19.

Hong Kong Eastern’s game plan revolved around three-point shooting and quick ball reversals. They hit 11 three-pointers, but their 33% accuracy from beyond the arc was not enough to offset their struggles inside. When Abra switched to a zone defense in the third quarter, Hong Kong Eastern’s offense stalled, settling for long jumpers instead of attacking the gaps. Their inability to generate consistent half-court offense in the paint proved costly.

Turnovers were another key factor. Hong Kong Eastern committed 15 turnovers, which Abra converted into 20 points. The Weavers, by contrast, turned the ball over only nine times, a testament to their composure against Hong Kong Eastern’s pressure defense.

Standout Players and Statistical Leaders

• Darius Carter (Abra Weavers): 24 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals. Carter dominated the paint and delivered the biggest defensive play of the game.
• Mark Belmonte (Abra Weavers): 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds. Belmonte controlled the pace and made key shots in the fourth quarter.
• Jordan Blake (Hong Kong Eastern): 22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 three-pointers. Blake kept Hong Kong Eastern within striking distance.
• Chan Wai Kit (Hong Kong Eastern): 15 points, 7 assists, 3 steals. Chan’s playmaking sparked the fourth-quarter rally.
• Abra bench: 16 points, including two crucial three-pointers in the second quarter.

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