TNT kicks off the Philippines’ campaign in the East Asia Super League Champions Week when it battles defending B. League champion Utsunomiya Brex on opening night of the regional league on March 1 at the Brex Arena.
The 7:30 p.m. encounter (Japan time) serves as the main game of the opener’s doubleheader that will have Anyang KGC featuring Filipino import Rhenz Abando taking on Taipei Fubon Braves in the curtain raiser at 5 o’clock.
The following day, Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer takes on B. League runner-up Ryukyu Golden Kings while the Bay Area Dragons tackle the Seoul SK Knights in the other game.
Utsunomiya will host the first six games of the eight-game group stage, before the tournament shifts to Okinawa, where the Golden Kings host the remaining two group stage games
The championship match and third place game will be held at their newly-built home, the Okinawa City Multi-Purpose Stadium, which will also serve as the venue for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four teams each, with Group A comprised of San Miguel, Anyang KGC, Taipeh Fubon Braves, and Ryukyu Golden Kings, while making up Group B are TNT, Seoul SK Knights, Bay Area Dragons, and Utsunomiya Brex.
The top two teams in each group dispute the championship and the $250,000 prize money on March 5 while the next two best teams in each group battle for third place worth $50,000.
The runner-up takes home $100,000.
