The 2023 East Asia Super League campaign of TNT Tropang Giga opened with a 93-75 loss at the hands of Japanese ball club Chiba Jets.
Imports Quincy Miller finished with 15 points and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 15 points as they paced the Katropa during the match on Wednesday, October 11, at the Funabishi Arena in Japan.
The defending PBA Governor's Cup champions put up a good fight in the first quarter and even had the lead, 22-21, at the end of the period.
However, a pair of charities by Ira Brown allowed the Jets to seize the lead, 45-43, in the second quarter.
The Japanese never felt threatened after a three-point basket by DJ Stephens and free throws by Justyn Mutt widened the gap, 63-51.
Brown and Stephens both scored 19 points while Ren Kanechika added 18 points for the victory of the Jets.
The Tropang Giga has a chance to get back at the Jets when the two teams face-off once more on November 1 at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in the Philippines.
