WAN CHAI (Hong Kong, China) - They did get the job done in the end, but there's no denying that the Chinggis Broncos had to fight tooth and nail right in their very first BCL Asia-East 2026 outing on Monday night.
The reigning champions were sent to the ropes by newcomers South China Athletic early, and had to lean on Ian Miller and Jordy Tshimanga in the fourth to save themselves from being chopped by the upset axe.
For sure, they would have preferred a much more comfortable start to their title defense. But the crew knows as well that they actually need bouts as challenging as what they had just gotten into for their own benefit.
"You know, we need to be better tested early to set our tone, to build our mindset, our mentality," offered the star floor general shortly after their 86-84 escape at the Southorn Stadium. "This was a good test tonight."
It was indeed a good test received by the Broncos particularly for their back-to-back aspirations, as they've experienced first-hand how tough the competition could be this season - most especially in Group B.
Three of the teams that comprised last year's Final 4 ensemble are in this very pool, the other two being runners-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and the New Taipei Kings - both of which are representing Chinese Taipei.
Then there's a potential dark horse in South China, who sure did make a good first impression in their BCL Asia-East debut by nearly pulling off a shocker against a team that swept the 2025 tournament.
But then again, the Broncos displayed their championship poise and ultimately came out with the W in the bag, making sure that they'd start their campaign on the right foot as they know how crucial every victory is.
"It's important. Every point that you get from a win is important, because there are so many good teams in our group. So we wanted to make sure we could come out and not start negatively," Miller said.
And a big reason behind the win was the reigning BCL Asia-East MVP himself, who led all scorers with 27 points, 13 of which he made in the final period alone to spearhead their comeback from down 11 late in the third.
He even went on a heater run by nailing tough shot after tough shot but ever selfless, Miller gave credit to the rest of the Broncos for allowing him to do so - and for helping out in putting together the strong windup.
That goes to the bruising Tshimanga who put them ahead for good with four minutes left, as well as Barsbold Baatar-Erdene and Tushig Elbeg, as they came through as well in keeping the home team at bay.
"My teammates allowed me to find my rhythm, our coaches believed in me, and made it easier for me to find myself and hit some shots that we needed in the game," said Miller, who also had 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
"But this is a part of why I'm on the team, and what I do in big moments," he added. "I live for those."
FIBA