Jets push through lag to register third win

Group A – TNT Tropang Giga 66 (0-2) vs. Chiba Jets 75 (3-0)

November 1, 2023 – Santa Rosa Sports Complex, Laguna, Philippines

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Chiba Jets stay undefeated in the East Asia Super League 2023-24 Season after beating the defending PBA Governors’ Cup champions, TNT Tropang Giga, 75-66 this evening.

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Post-game triple

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1. Chiba push through punishing schedule to register third win

Chiba Jets Head Coach John Patrick said after the game that he was proud of his team for securing this win amid a tough run of games. The Jets played 11 competitive games in the month of October – two EASL games and nine B.LEAGUE games. By contrast, TNT are yet to start their domestic season.

This may have cut both ways during the game. Chiba looked game-sharp in the first half, surging to a big lead over a sluggish TNT. Fatigue may have played a role in the second half as the B.LEAGUE side appeared to take their foot off the gas, allowing their PBA opponents back into the game.

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2. Mooney, Togashi and Stephens stand out

EASL’s October Player of the Month Yuki Togashi had another impressive game for Chiba Jets, registering 14 points and five assists.

But the Japan national team star was outshone on the night by teammate John Mooney. The 25-year-old American posted an impressive double-double, with 30 points and 16 rebounds.

DJ Stephens also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, displaying his versatility and defensive prowess.

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3. TNT hit by Hollis-Jefferson withdrawal

TNT’s star player Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was ruled out of the game as he is recovering from a recent bout of illness.

Another import, Quincy Miller, did his best to fill the gap. Miller was TNT’s standout player on 22 points. However, he also had six turnovers. Jaydee Tungcab contributed 10 points for TNT, while Calvin Oftana and Jayson William added eight points each.

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Player of the Game: John Mooney, Chiba Jets

Power forward John Mooney’s impressive shooting and rebounding contributed significantly to Chiba Jets' victory. He led the scoring with a game-high 30 points, also adding 16 rebounds and two assists.

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Stats of the day

Chiba Jets were the more effective team in their shooting this evening, with a field goal percentage of 41 percent, compared to TNT Tropang Giga's 36 percent.

Neither team excelled in three-point shooting. Chiba Jets edged the contest, with 10 three-pointers from 36 attempts (28 percent), compared to TNT Tropang Giga’s seven from 28 (25 percent).

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Post-game press conference