Chiba Jets hand TNT another defeat in EASL

The Chiba Jets of the Japan B.League once again defeated the PBA’s TNT Tropang Giga, 75-66, in an East Asia Super League (EASL) clash on Wednesday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

John Mooney led Chiba with 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting (63.1%) and 16 rebounds. DJ Stephens and Yuki Togashi chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively, knocking down a total of seven three-pointers between the two of them.

TNT, which played without import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, was led by Quincy Miller’s 22 points and 13 rebounds. Jaydee Tungcab added 10 points while Jayson Castro and Calvin Oftana each chipped in with eight apiece.

Chiba started the game on a 7-0 run en route to a 23-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. They continued to control the game in the second period to take a 50-32 lead into the halftime break.

The Tropang Giga battled back in the second half, coming back to as close as five, 58-53. They trailed by just six, 69-63, with about six minutes left in the game before a 6-0 Jets run capped by a triple from Shuta Hara put the game away late.

It was TNT’s second loss in two games in the EASL, the first also coming at the hands of Chiba, 93-75, on October 11.

The Jets, meanwhile, improved to 3-0. They also hold a win over the Taipei Fubon Braves, 85-82.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News