By REYNALD MAGALLON
LAPU-LAPU CITY – Yuki Togashi weaved his magic anew and led Chiba Jets to a pulsating 72-69 victory over Seoul SK Knights to complete a sweet tournament sweep and claim the 2024 East Asia Super League title at the Hoops Dome on Sunday, March 10 here.
Togashi once again took over down the stretch, scoring 12 of his 24 points in the final frame including the two nerve-wracking free throws that sealed the game for the Jets and assured them of the $1,000,000 top prize.
With his brilliance all throughout the Final Four, Togashi was also hailed as the EASL Final Four Most Valuable Player.
Trailing 57-54 midway through the fourth quarter, Togashi presided over a 6-0 spurt to give the Jets a 60-57 cushion.
Seoul, behind the efforts of import Jameel Warney, managed to regain the lead, 62-60, but Togashi retaliated with a booming triple that gave Chiba the lead for good.
From there, Chiba imports Xavier Cooks and John Mooney scored back-to-back baskets before Togashi iced the game from the foul line.
Togashi also showed how deadly he is from three-point territory, drilling four triples while also dishing out eight assists.
Mooney had an all-around effort of 16 points, 16 rebounds and six assists while Ira Brown contributed 12 points.
Warney led the Knights with 22 points and 17 rebounds while Youngjun An added 18 – all of which went down the drain as Seoul ended with a bridesmaid finish in the regional league for the third straight year now.
Meanwhile, a Rhenz Abando-less Anyang Red Boosters fended off a late run from New Taipei Kings, 78-76, to claim the third place.
Jihoon Park showed the way for the Red Boosters who led by double digits in the final frame but needed several defensive stops in the waning minutes to withstand a late run from the Kings.
With the win, the Anyang claimed a $250,000 prize as the third-place team.
