Chiba Jets Clinch 2023-2024 EASL Championship in Thrilling Finale
Cebu, Philippines – The 2023-2024 East Asia Super League (EASL) championship witnessed a remarkable journey as the underdog Chiba Jets from Japan emerged victorious in a thrilling finale held at the Hoops Dome in Cebu on March 10. Despite arriving just the night before the Friday Final Four, the Jets, led by head coach John Patrick, displayed unwavering determination and resilience to clinch the coveted title.
The Jets’ path to glory was paved with challenges, yet they remained steadfast in their pursuit of victory. With stellar performances from their playmaking guard Yuki Togashi, who showcased exceptional clutch play throughout the tournament, the Jets secured a hard-fought 72-69 win over Korea’s Seoul SK Knights in the knockout finale. Togashi’s leadership on the court, coupled with his 22 points and 7 assists, proved instrumental in sealing the championship for the Japanese club.
Coach Patrick commended his team’s relentless spirit, highlighting their ability to push past fatigue and injuries to achieve their ultimate goal. The Jets’ perfect season record of 8-0 is a testament to their dedication and teamwork, with Togashi’s game-winning three-pointer standing out as a defining moment in the championship game.
The electrifying atmosphere of the EASL finals was not lost on Togashi, who expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and cheers from fans across Asian countries. The MVP chants resonated with Togashi, underscoring the collective passion for basketball that transcended individual accolades. The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by teams and fans alike added to the thrill of the competition, making the EASL a memorable experience for all involved.
In the bronze medal match, the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters overcame the New Taipei Kings in a hard-fought battle, securing a third-place finish. Park Jihoon’s stellar performance, supported by Robert Carter, Jr., propelled Anyang to victory, earning them a $250,000 prize.
As the EASL season concluded with Chiba Jets’ triumphant win, the basketball world witnessed the power of teamwork, resilience, and passion for the game. The tournament’s thrilling matchups, standout performances, and unforgettable moments will be etched in the annals of EASL history, setting the stage for future seasons of exhilarating competition.
The Scores:
First Game
Anyang 78 – Park 29, Carter 18, Jeong 11, Wilson 11, Bae 5, Choi 4, Jung 0, Kim 0, Lee 0.
New Taipei 76 – Manigault 18, Yang 15, Daye 15, Blankley 13, Davis 8, Lin 6, Lee 1, Wang 0, Su 0, Hung 0.
Second Game
Chiba 72 – Togashi 24, Mooney 16, Brown 12, Cooks 6, Kanechika 5, Ogawa 5, Hara 4, Arao 0, Nishimura 0.
Seoul 69 – Warney 22, An 18, Williams 15, Oh 9, Chanyong 3, Choi 2, Heo 0, Yaung 0.
Quarters: 21-16, 37-34, 51-54, 72-69.
