TNT duels with Chiba Jets anew in Laguna for EASL
Game Wednesday
The sports complex located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
The game between TNT and Chiba Jets will take place at 7 p.m.
TNT is focused on seeking revenge and achieving a significant win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) as they face off against Japan’s Chiba Jets tonight at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.
The upcoming All-Saints’ Day match will be the Tropang Giga’s debut in the EASL on Philippine territory. They are determined to seek revenge against the Jets team who beat them 75-93 in Japan on October 11th, and also secure their first win in the league.
In contrast to their previous game away from home, TNT, led by coach Jojo Lastimosa, will enter the 7 p.m. rematch with a stronger and more complete lineup.
Calvin Oftana, who sat out the first game after taking a break following the Asian Games, returned for the Laguna match. Trade acquisition Jewel Ponferada, whose paperwork was not finished in time for the first match, was also activated. Prolific import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who played in Japan without much rest after his stint with Jordan in Hangzhou, is also joining the team with rested legs this time.
He and his fellow import, Quincy Miller, have also been practicing more with the core players of TNT, including Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, and the greatly improved Glen Khobuntin.
“Our team is in better condition now with the return of key players Oftana and Jefferson, who have been practicing since the first match,” stated TNT assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. The team had a tough time on the Jets’ home court due to fatigue.
The Jets (2-0) are fully prepared for their upcoming games in the Philippines, with added players Justyn Mutts and DJ Stephens, as well as star player Yuki Togashi leading the team.
Togashi, a former player for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League, only scored two points in the game against TNT. However, he had a remarkable performance in the Jets’ overtime victory against the Taipei Fubon Braves on October 18th, scoring 38 points and making the game-winning three-pointer. This impressive showing should put TNT’s defenders on high alert for Togashi.
