RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Dewa United Banten remain atop Group A of the Basketball Champions League (BCL) Asia-East 2026 despite suffering their first defeat, a narrow 87–90 loss to hosts Johor Southern Tigers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on Thursday, April 16.

According to FIBA, Dewa United holds seven points from three wins and one loss. Johor, celebrating their first victory of the tournament, sit third with four points (one win, two losses).

Thailand’s Hi-Tech is second, also with four points from three games, but ahead of Johor on point differential.

The game was marked by momentum swings. Dewa started slowly, trailing 18–33 late in the first quarter before Johor closed it 37–18.

The second quarter saw a spirited comeback led by Joshua Ibarra, Troy Gillenwater, and point guard DJ Cooper. A three-pointer from Dio Saputra sparked the rally, and Ibarra’s free throws cut the gap to 46–52. Stronger defense helped Dewa close the half just two points behind at 54–56.

After halftime, Dewa briefly seized the lead at 65–62 through Ibarra, but Johor regained control to end the third quarter 72–68. In the final period, Disi Rio’s basket pushed Dewa ahead 77–75, only for Johor to rally again and secure the 90–87 win.

DJ Cooper stood out with a double-double of 18 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds. Dio Tirta Saputra led Dewa’s scoring with 19 points, while Ibarra and Gillenwater each added 16. Johor’s Scottie Lewis was the game’s top scorer, posting 30 points along with five rebounds and three assists.

Dewa United will look to bounce back when they face Johor Southern Tigers again on April 30 in Bangkok, Thailand, followed by a clash against hosts Hi-Tech on May 1. ***