Undermanned TNT falls to Chiba Jets to kick off EASL bid

With shortage in manpower, TNT Tropang Giga fell to Japanese club Chiba Jets, 93-75, to kick off their 2023 East Asia Super League campaign on Wednesday night at the Funabashi Arena in Chiba, Japan.

TNT, the reigning PBA Governors' Cup champion, dropped to 0-1 while the Jets, the runner-up of the previous Japan B. League tournament, are now at 1-0.

TNT did not have several key players like Calvin Oftana, Mikey Williams, Poy Erram, and RR Pogoy as Quincy Miller took charge for the Tropang Giga with a team-high 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and one assist.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who was coming off two stints with the Jordan national team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and in the Asian Games, chipped in 15 markers, nine boards, five dimes, and two steals while Glenn Khobuntin had 15 points and five boards.

Ira Brown led the charge for Chiba with a double-double effort of 19 points and 12 rebounds while D.J. Stephens chimed in with 19 markers as well together with nine boards and three assists.

TNT will next play the same team on November 1 when it hosts the Jets at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News