Photo credit: EASL | facebook.com/eastasiasuperleague
Japan B.LEAGUE's Chiba Jets Funabashi used a strong second half to beat the undermanned TNT Tropang GIGA, 93-75, on Wednesday, October 11 in the opening day of the 2023 EASL Season 2 at the Funabashi Arena in Chiba, Japan.
Ira Brown led the Jets in scoring and rebounds with a double-double, recording 19 points (8/11fg), 12 boards, 1 assist, and a steal. Import D. J. Stephens had a solid performance, contributing 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, while another Chiba reinforcement, Justyn Mutts, added 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Quincy Miller, former Converge FiberXers import, led the Tropang Giga in a losing effort with 22 points (7/16FG, 1/5 3pts, 7/8ft) to go along with 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals. 15 points (6/28FG, 6/19 2pts, 0/9 3pts, 3/5ft), with 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals while Glenn Khobuntin and Jayson Castro added 15 points apiece. TNT was missing key players like Mikey Williams, Roger Pogoy, Poy Erram, and Calvin Oftana.
The EASL's 2023-24 season is scheduled to feature a total of 28 games, spanning from October 11, 2023, to March 10, 2024. It will commence with the group stage, where all eight participating teams will face each of their group rivals both at home and away. The championship will be determined during the Final Four playoff competition from March 8 to March 10, 2024, featuring four games and four teams, with the victorious squad securing a $1 million prize.
TNT is scheduled to have their home game against Chiba Jets on November 1, 2023, which will take place at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex at Santa Rosa, Laguna, while the other PBA representative, Meralco Bolts, will make their debut on November 15, 2023, against the Ryukyu Golden Kings at the Okinawa Arena. [Full EASL Schedule - CLICK HERE]
The scores:
CHIBA JETS 93 - Brown 19, Stephens 19, Kanechika 18, Okura 12, Mutts 9, Ogawa 6, Nishimura 6, Arao 2, Togashi 2, Sekiya 0, Tobin 0.
TNT 75 - Miller 22, Hollis-Jefferson 15, Khobuntin 15, Castro 12, Montalbo 4, Heruela 4, Reyes 3, Flores 0, K. Williams 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Varilla DNP, Tungcab DNP.
Quarters: 21-22, 45-44, 71-56, 93-75. [VIDEO] | [STATS]
