RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Confidence has become the rallying cry for Dewa United Banten as they prepare for the semifinals of the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Asia-East 2026, with center Joshua Ibarra urging teammates to trust in their ability to compete among Asia’s elite.

The message followed Dewa United’s spirited 94-87 comeback victory over Johor Southern Tigers in their final Group A match at the Larkin Indoor Stadium, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Thursday, May 21.

“When we have that confidence, I think we can win any game,” Ibarra said in a club statement on Friday, May 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara, assuring that belief was key to recovering after a slow start.

“We began a little too relaxed in the first two quarters, not executing our defensive keys and giving them too many transition chances,” noted the Mexican-born player. Adjustments at halftime helped the team rediscover rhythm, tighten defense, and raise intensity.

The turnaround was evident as Dewa United cut a nine-point deficit at halftime and surged in the second half. Ibarra himself delivered a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Troy Gillenwater added 25 points and Donnell Cooper contributed 18 points and 12 assists.

Head coach Agusti Julbe Bosch credited consistency and resilience as decisive factors. “Facing Johor Southern was very difficult, but we showed strong character and mentality to fight back,” said the Spanish tactician.

He highlighted defensive adjustments as the key to limiting the Tigers’ transition points and sparking the comeback.

The decisive moment came in the fourth quarter when Cooper drained back-to-back three-pointers during an eight-point run, turning the score to 92-87 with under a minute left. Rio Disi sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds.

With the victory, Dewa United finished as Group A winners and will face Taiwan’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in the semifinal on Saturday, May 23, at the same venue. A win would propel them into the final the following day, offering a chance to prove their strength on the Asian stage. ***