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Advocates Philippines
TnT Tropang Giga out of East Asia Super League following Loss to Seoul SK Knights
Photo credit: PBA
In a tough battle at the Nikkan Arena, the Tropang Giga of the Philippines were eliminated from the East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week playoffs after a 69-80 loss to Korea's Seoul SK Knights on Friday. The defeat left TnT with a 0-2 record and out of contention for the $250,000 champions purse.
Despite missing key player Jayson Castro due to a wrist injury, TnT fought hard and stayed within striking distance throughout the game. However, the reigning Korean champs proved to be steadier down the stretch, unleashing an 11-0 run that sealed the victory and a spot in the finals or third place match.
Assistant coach Josh Reyes, who was tasked to lead the team in the absence of head coach Chot Reyes, praised his team's effort. "I thought we really competed well out there," he said. "We're able to adjust and at one point, when the game was close, we were competitive in rebounding until that drop in the end. Overall, the positives and lessons here will help us along the way in our campaign in the PBA."
TnT received balanced scoring from Calvin Oftana, Jalen Hudson, Mikey Williams, and Daniel Ochefu, who all scored in double figures. This was a major improvement from their opening game loss to Japanese powerhouse Utsunomiya Brex, where they were blown out by 33 points.
With TnT's exit, San Miguel Beer is the lone Philippine team remaining in the tournament. However, they also face an uphill battle after a 96-68 defeat to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in their opening game, which saw June Mar Fajardo suffer a knee injury. The Beermen (0-1) will need to win their next game against Rhenz Abando and Anyang KGC (1-0) to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The EASL Champions Week playoffs continue on Saturday with two Group A games, as the Ryukyu Golden Kings take on the Fubon Braves, while San Miguel Beer faces Anyang KGC.
Despite missing key player Jayson Castro due to a wrist injury, TnT fought hard and stayed within striking distance throughout the game. However, the reigning Korean champs proved to be steadier down the stretch, unleashing an 11-0 run that sealed the victory and a spot in the finals or third place match.
Assistant coach Josh Reyes, who was tasked to lead the team in the absence of head coach Chot Reyes, praised his team's effort. "I thought we really competed well out there," he said. "We're able to adjust and at one point, when the game was close, we were competitive in rebounding until that drop in the end. Overall, the positives and lessons here will help us along the way in our campaign in the PBA."
TnT received balanced scoring from Calvin Oftana, Jalen Hudson, Mikey Williams, and Daniel Ochefu, who all scored in double figures. This was a major improvement from their opening game loss to Japanese powerhouse Utsunomiya Brex, where they were blown out by 33 points.
With TnT's exit, San Miguel Beer is the lone Philippine team remaining in the tournament. However, they also face an uphill battle after a 96-68 defeat to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in their opening game, which saw June Mar Fajardo suffer a knee injury. The Beermen (0-1) will need to win their next game against Rhenz Abando and Anyang KGC (1-0) to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The EASL Champions Week playoffs continue on Saturday with two Group A games, as the Ryukyu Golden Kings take on the Fubon Braves, while San Miguel Beer faces Anyang KGC.
Mar 4, 2023
