Tropang Giga bow to Jets once again

MANILA, Philippines — Japan’s Chiba Jets foiled Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-less TNT’s bid for a winning home debut in the East Asia Super League, 75-66, last night at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

With Hollis-Jefferson out of commission due to gastritis and leaving Quincy Miller as TNT’s sole import, John Mooney imposed his will inside while import partner DJ Stephens turned in an efficient performance to tow the Jets to victory.

The 6-foot-9 Mooney banged in 30 points and 16 rebounds to go with three steals and two assists while Stephens produced 15 and 10 to overpower Miller, who finished with 22 and 13 but committed six of TNT’s 21 turnovers.

Hotshot Yuta Togashi rifled in 14 points spiked by four triples, including 11 in the second canto where the visitors broke away to 50-32 behind a 27-18 exchange.

By repeating against the Tropang Giga, whom they defeated in Japan, 93-75, last Oct. 11, the Jets stretched their streak to 3-0 in Group A. Their other victory came at the expense of the Taipei Fubon Braves, 85-82, prior to the return match with TNT.