The Chiba Jets repeat over the Ryukyu Golden Kings to win back-to-back Emperor's Cup titles in Japan, less than a week after ruling the East Asia Super League in Lapu-Lapu City.
It’s been quite a week for the Chiba Jets.
Less than seven days after their East Asia Super League conquest in Lapu-Lapu City, the Jets make it a double feature, winning Japan’s 99th Emperor’s Cup crown with a thorough dismantling of defending B.League champion Ryukyu Golden Kings Saturday at the Saitama Super Arena.
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Chiba beat the Golden Kings, 117-69, making it back-to-back Emperor’s Cup championships. The Jets, who are currently positioned in the wildcard of the B.League playoffs, will have a chance for a rare triple crown this season.
Christopher Smith led the way for the Jets with 26 points, while Chiba’s EASL heroes in Yuki Togashi and John Mooney added 20 and 17 points respectively.
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Chiba also beat Ryukyu in the Finals of the 98th Emperor’s Cup last year, but the Golden Kings got a measure of revenge by sweeping the Jets for the B.League title.
Ryuichi Kishimoto and former three-time PBA Best Import Allen Durham paced Ryukyu with 13 points apiece.