RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang - Indonesia’s basketball champions are making a strong statement on the continental stage. Dewa United Banten (DUB) secured their second straight win in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Asia-East 2026, defeating Malaysia’s Johor Southern Tigers (JST) 91–79 at the Dewa United Arena in Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday night, March 29, 2026.

The victory followed DUB’s opening triumph two days earlier, when the team -- nicknamed Anak Dewa -- overpowered Thailand’s Hi-Tech Basketball Club (HIT) 97–77 at the same venue.

With these results, DUB swept Group A, which consists of Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, in matches organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Antara reported.

The clash against JST began with the visitors taking early control. Guard Scottie Lewis opened scoring with an underbasket, followed by a layup from Ahmed Hill. DUB responded quickly through a three-pointer from Dio Tirta Saputra, but lapses in focus late in the first quarter left the hosts trailing 21–30.

Coach Agustin Julbe Bosch adjusted in the second quarter, bringing in veteran forward Arki Dikania Wisnu to strengthen the attack. His presence helped narrow the gap, and by the midway point DUB had pulled within one point at 30–31. Center Joshua Ibarra later tied the game at 36–36, though JST regained momentum to lead 45–38 at halftime.

The second half marked a turning point. Rio Disi and his teammates showcased the form that earned them the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) 2025 title, combining sharp shooting from Dio Tirta, Ibarra, and Donell Cooper to overturn the deficit and lead 51–47. By the end of the third quarter, DUB had extended their advantage to 68–59, capped by a three-pointer from power forward Troy Akeem Gillenwater.

In the final quarter, DUB’s defense proved decisive. Ibarra, Gillenwater, and Dio Tirta locked down the paint, frustrating JST’s attempts to rally. The hosts closed out the game convincingly, sealing a 91–79 win and completing a perfect run in their home leg of Group A.

The next stage of the group phase will shift to Johor, Malaysia (April 15–17), before moving to Bangkok, Thailand (April 30–May 2), where Dewa United will look to continue their momentum as Indonesia’s sole representative in the BCL Asia-East 2026. ***