Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 26) – The TNT Tropang Giga are eyeing redemption against the Chiba Jets in the East Asia Super League (EASL) when they host the Japanese club at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna on Nov. 1.
The reigning PBA Governors’ Cup champions will get a chance to avenge their blowout loss against the Japan B.League runner-up after they suffered a 93-75 defeat during the opener of the EASL’s inaugural home-and-away season earlier this month.
The Tropang Giga said they look forward to being a much better team after being shorthanded against the Jets in their first encounter.
“Rondae Hollis Jefferson joined us for the first game but he had no practice,\” TNT Tropang Giga assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said Thursday. \”He came from the Asian Games and immediately played.\”
\”I think right now we’re in a better shape of course,\” he also said. \”Calvin Oftana also missed the first game so he’s back for us for the second game.”
“We just concluded a training camp in Inspire in Laguna and a big point of emphasis for us was getting in better shape,” Arespacochaga added.
The Meralco Bolts are also gearing up for their EASL debut on Nov. 15 against the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
The PBA Governors’ Cup semi-finalist will be taking on the Japan B.League champions at the Okinawa arena.
The Bolts recently tapped Prince Ibeh as their second import for the EASL, joining Suleiman Braimoh who will serve as their import in the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“The first team we play against are the Ryukyu Golden Kings,\” Meralco Bolts team manager Paolo Trillo said. \”They have Carl Tamayo but interesting thing is their import Allen Durham. We probably know him better than we do our own imports.”
“Everything is new to us,\” he continued. \”We’re just excited to get this experience right now to compete against the best teams in asia. We’ ll prepare hard and we’ll do our best.\”
