What Happened:

South Gobi was looking for revenge, but Alvark would have the last laugh, as the squad dominated the visiting team 113-78 at the Arena Tachikawa Tachihi in Japan.

Tokyo immediately put pressure on South Gobi via a 10-0 to start the game, and didn’t really look back after ending the period up by a whopping 22 points, 35-13. 

Behind the hot shooting of Keyontae Johnson, Ryo Iida and Shuto Ando, Alvark was completely on fire, making a scorching 21 triples on 48.8% from the perimeter. 

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What It Means

‍Alvark Tokyo ensured that there would be no shocking loss to start their season this time, especially against the same foe last year. With 31 assists made, the team also showed that it’s more than just one superstar shouldering the load, as several players put up key performances in the victory.

On the other hand, this will definitely serve as a wake-up call for the Broncos. Last season, they were in-step with Alvark in each of their matches. But this is a different season, and obviously a different scenario. They’ll need to bounce back quickly, as they are in a tough Group A with both Goyang Sono Skygunners and TSG Ghosthawks waiting in the wings.

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Player of the Game:‍

Keyontae Johnson was unstoppable in his season debut in the EASL. In only 27 minutes of action, the former draft pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder tallied an impressive 33 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. 

Johnson was instrumental in putting to rest any hopes of a comeback, as he scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter.

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Super Statistic: 40‍

Alvark was in cruise control throughout the entire ballgame, ending the third up 16 points, 73-57. But the fourth quarter was a show of force, as they erupted for a staggering 40 points against a hapless Broncos team. Those types of scoring performances are only possible when the entire team is in a groove, and it’s looking like Alvark is wasting no time in showing up in the EASL at the peak of its powers.

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Next Up 

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Alvark Tokyo will travel on the road for their November 4 matchup, as they face TSG Ghosthawks at the Fengshan Stadium in Kaoshiung City. Tokyo has definitely caught the eyes of their opponents, and should expect a tough battle against the Ghosthawks.

The Broncos will continue their EASL on the road, as they take on the dangerous Goyang Sono Skygunners at the Sono Arena in Korea. With each victory so crucial, can the Broncos pick up a crucial win?