The Tropang Giga fell short in their opening game in EASL Season 2.
The TNT Tropang Giga was outworked during its opening game in the East Asia Super League against the Chiba Jets at the Funabashi Arena in Japan.
TNT built up a substantial lead of up to seven points during the second quarter following a sluggish beginning by the Jets. However, Chiba made a strong comeback in the latter part of the quarter, ultimately going into halftime with a one-point advantage.
The Japan B.League squad maintained their momentum in the third quarter, outscoring TNT 26-12 and building a commanding 15-point lead.
They continued this strong performance and secured an 18-point win with a final score of 93-75.
The short-handed Tropang Giga, who were without RR Pogoy, Mikey Williams, Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram, were led by their two imports, Quincy Miller and Rondae-Hollis Jefferson.
Miller finished with 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while Hollis-Jefferson, who is fresh off Jordan’s silver medal finish in the Asian Games, contributed 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Coach Jojo Lastimosa admitted that the team is still getting used to having two imports on the squad, adding that they are missing several key guys on the roster.
Nonetheless, Lastimosa vowed that the Tropang Giga will be better when the two squads face each other more on November 1 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
"We will be better against them in Manila," said Lastimosa.
With more practice under their belt come their next match, Lastimosa is confident that TNT can go toe-to-toe with the Japan B.League runners-up.
"We are two weeks in, and Rondae just came in Sunday without any practice," said Lastimosa. "This time around, we have two good imports, great imports in Rondae and Quincy. That's the reason why I'm confident this season will be much better than the last time we were here."
The Tropang Giga will look to have a better showing this around in the EASL after ending up winless during the EASL Champions Week last March.
(CF)