Yuki Togashi stars as Chiba Jets escapes Seoul SK to rule EASL

Yuki Togashi stood the tallest to steer Japanese club Chiba Jets to a 72-69 escape act against South Korea's Seoul SK Knights and win the 2024 East Asia Super League (EASL) on Sunday at the Hoops Dome in Cebu.

The 5-foot-6 veteran guard dropped 22 points, including the game-sealing free throws, alongside seven assists and one steal to cap off a dominant EASL run by the Jets, who didn't drop a single game through the tournament. With the win, Chiba will take home the $1 million prize money.

American reinforcement John Mooney produced an impressive double-double outing of 16 markers and 16 rebounds together with six assists, two steals, and one block while Ira Brown chipped in 12 markers. 

Togashi, a one-time Japan B. League MVP, buried a huge triple before Xavier Cooks completed a floater to give Chiba a 65-62 cushion. Mooney then split his freebies for a four-point advantage in the final 1:18 of the fourth quarter, 70-66. 

Youngjun An, though, converted a quick three-pointer off a timeout to trim their deficit to just one, 69-70, but he was called for a 24-second violation in the crucial moments of the game. 

Togashi was steady on the line, sinking two free throws after drawing a foul from Wonhyuk Choi to seal the deal. 

Meanwhile, a Rhenz Abando-less Anyang Jung Kwan Jang salvaged a podium finish after eking out a 78-76 victory against Chinese Taipei's New Taipei Kings in the battle for third. 

Without the Filipino import, Jihoon Park led the charge for the Red Boosters with 29 points and eight rebounds while Robert Carter chipped in 18 markers and 15 boards.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News