Will the BRONCOS Get Their Revenge Over A Familiar Foe?

Where: Arena Tachikawa Tachichi, Tachikawa, Japan
When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:10 P.M. HKT
Where to Watch: EASL Broadcast Partners

Group: Group A
Team Records: Alvark Tokyo (0-0) / South Gobi Broncos (0-0)

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THE RUNDOWN

Revenge games - what could be sweeter?

That’s what will be on South Gobi Broncos’ mind, as the Mongolia-based squad will challenge a familiar foe in the B.LEAGUE squad, Alvark Tokyo.

The Broncos were hoping for a deeper EASL run in their maiden voyage last season, but Alvark brought them back to earth, sending them into elimination in the final game of the group stage. Thus, South Gobi was left to stew all off-season. Will they get their get-back in their second straight opening game versus Alvark?

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ALVARK TOKYO

Under a new head coach in Ryan Richman, Tokyo has made no bones about the importance of winning the EASL championship. Last season, Tokyo ended the group stage with a 5-1 record. Curiously their only loss coming to the then Xac Broncos. However, they suffered a painful loss to the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in the Semifinals of the EASL Playoffs, 102-76, thus ending their season earlier than they expected to. 

This season, Alvark is looking at this first game as the first stepping stone in extending their dominance to the regional competition. Bannered by Kai Toews, naturalized player Ryan Rossiter and star guard Shuto Ando, Tokyo has more than enough firepower to back up their claim to have their sights set on the EASL title. Will they be able to go deeper this season?

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SOUTH GOBI BRONCOS

The multi-titled Broncos squad is looking to ride into the EASL and improve on last season’s 3rd place finish in the group stage.

With an additional season under their belt and more international experience, Mongolia is aiming to show through the Broncos that East Asia is rich with talent.

The 10-time MBA The League champions will be bannered by Barsbold Batar-Erdene, the team’s do-it-all leader who led all guards in rebounds and assists last season in the EASL. The team will also have a good host of firepower in Kavell Bigby-Williams, and Earl Clark. Thai-American veteran player, Freddie Lish, will also provide firepower from beyond the perimeter.

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SPOTLIGHT STORYLINE

Rivalry Renewed‍

They say that revenge is a dish best served cold - but all expectations for this game will be fiery from the tip-off.

That’s the beauty of teams with shared experiences - those can lead to a spark of competition, and before you know it, we have a full-blown rivalry on our hands.

Last season, the Broncos were looking to shock the EASL landscape and book their ticket to the EASL Playoffs in Macau SAR, but their gradual fall-off was punctuated by a painful defeat on the very last day of EASL group-stage action versus this same Alvark Tokyo squad. 

Will the roles be reversed this season, or can the Broncos come out with a big victory?