Jakarta, Indonesia – The Johor Tigers, Malaysia’s reigning national basketball champions, suffered a heartbreaking 90-80 defeat to Thailand’s High Tech in their opening match of the FIBA Asia Cup East Asia Qualifiers on Thursday, March 28, 2026. Despite leading for much of the contest, the Tigers were outscored 20-10 in a stunning five-minute overtime period, leaving them with a tough road ahead in the group stage.
The Johor Tigers entered the tournament as champions of the 2024/25 Malaysia Basketball League (MBL), representing Malaysia in the FIBA Asia Cup East Asia region. Facing a High Tech team with more international experience, the Tigers battled to a 57-57 tie after three quarters.
The fourth quarter saw the Tigers briefly surge ahead with a 6-0 run, but they struggled to extend their lead. A late foul trouble situation, with center Allen accumulating five fouls, further complicated matters. Key contributions from “MeeMee” Chen Junhong, who hit a crucial three-pointer, and Gakeng, who converted two free throws, helped the Tigers tie the game at 70-70, forcing the overtime period.
However, the overtime period proved disastrous for the Tigers. High Tech caught fire, scoring an incredible 20 points in just five minutes – more than they managed in any single quarter of regulation. A barrage of three-pointers and two emphatic dunks left the Johor Tigers reeling and unable to respond, ultimately sealing their fate.
Four Johor Tigers players scored in double figures. Hill led the team with 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Lewis contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Allen finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Chen Junhong added 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The loss marks a difficult start to the FIBA Asia Cup campaign for the Johor Tigers, who were hoping to build a statement on the international stage. The team’s inability to close out the game in regulation, coupled with High Tech’s explosive offensive performance in overtime, proved to be the difference.
Back-to-Back Challenge Awaits
The Johor Tigers face a quick turnaround, taking on Indonesia League champion Dewa United in a “back-to-back” matchup just 24 hours after their defeat to High Tech. This game will present another significant challenge, as the Tigers will have to contend with a motivated Dewa United team playing on their home court and in front of a passionate fanbase.
The second leg of the FIBA Asia Cup East Asia Qualifiers will witness the Johor Tigers hosting the remaining matches at the newly renovated Iskandar Indoor Stadium in Johor Bahru, which has a capacity of 7,000 spectators. They are scheduled to face Dewa United and High Tech again in mid-April. Tickets for the home games have been in high demand, with courtside season passes priced at RM88 selling out within 24 hours of going on sale, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for basketball in Malaysia.
This early setback underscores the competitive nature of the FIBA Asia Cup and the challenges facing the Johor Tigers as they navigate the East Asia Qualifiers. The team will need to quickly regroup and address the areas where they fell short against High Tech if they hope to advance in the tournament.
The Johor Tigers’ next match against Dewa United will be a crucial test of their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. Fans can expect a hard-fought contest as both teams vie for a vital win in the group stage.
(Reporting from Jakarta, Indonesia)
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