TNT had a nightmare start to its 2023 East Asia Super League Champions Week campaign, absorbing a rough 66-99 beatdown at the hands of reigning B.League champion Utsunomiya, Wednesday at Nikka Arena.
Despite the efforts of Jalen Hudson, who scored 28 points with five triples, TNT couldn’t match the dominant play of Utsunomiya’s imports Grant Jerrett and Josh Scott. The Brex took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring TNT 32-8, with Jerrett and Scott dominating.
Scott finished the game with an impressive 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Jerrett contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds. Yusuke Endo also played a key role, adding 17 points to secure Utsunomiya’s victory in Group B.
Daniel Ochefu did his best to try and complement Hudson, finishing with nine points and nine rebounds.
However, the Tropang Giga local aces were clearly out of it as Calvin Oftana (eight points), Roger Pogoy (five), and Mikey Williams (five) combined to shoot just 7-of-23 from the field.
TNT’s defeat leaves them with a tough challenge to secure regional glory and a $250,000 champion’s purse.
However, Jojo Lastimosa’s team will look to bounce back in their next game against Seoul SK on Friday.
(C) EASL
In other Group A action, Rhenz Abando played a vital role in Anyang KGC’s first win of the tournament.
The NCAA Season 98 MVP contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and two steals as Anyang defeated Taipei Fubon 94-69.
Although the Filipino import played the entire fourth quarter, the result of the contest was already settled, as Anyang led from start to finish.
Omari Spellman led the scoring for Anyang with 22 points, while Daryl Monroe added 21 points and 21 rebounds.
Anyang will now face San Miguel on Saturday as they aim to secure a place in the final.
Ihor Zaytsev (20 points) and Mike Singletary (17 points and 10 rebounds) put in solid performances for the Braves, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for Taipei Fubon.
