UTSUNOMIYA -TnT seeks a winning start in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week Wednesday night in an uber-tough opening assignment against reigning Japanese champ Utsunomiya Brex.
The Tropang Giga, the Season 47 PBA Philippine Cup runners-up and pacesetter in the ongoing Governors' Cup, vowed to give it their all against their powerhouse opponent, who additionally enjoy home advantage in the 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. Manila time) Group B matchup at the Brex Arena here.
"I'm just curious how we will fare against other Asian countries," said coach Jojo Lastimosa, whose troops are embarking on this international campaign on the heels of a six-game winning streak in the local front.
Just as the PBA teams faced an uphill battle against formidable EASL opponent Bay Area Dragons in the Commissioner's Cup, Lastimosa expects the Brex to be the same.
"It should be good competition, having played against Bay, which was a pretty good team. I expect the same stiff competition against those Japanese and Korean teams," he said.
Sponsored content: The Tropang Giga will duel with Korean kingpin Seoul SK Knights on Friday after the Brex.
Bannering Lastimosa's crew are imports Daniel Ochefu and Jalen Hudson with Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams and comebacking hotshots RR Pogoy and Mikey Williams leading the local charge. Pogoy and Mikey Wiliams were sidelined by foot injuries in the Governors' Cup but are "good to go" for the EASL's initial offering, per Lastimosa.
On the other side are former NBA player Yuta Tabuse, national mainstay Kosuke Takeuchi, Asian import Isaac Fotu and imports Josh Scott and Juliab Mavunga.
Right before TnT's debut, Filipino import Rhenz Abundo and his Korean club Anyang KGC hit the court against the Taiwan Fubon Braves in the tourney's curtain-raiser at 5 p.m. (4 p.m. Manila time). (OL)
