Gloria Gaynor's "I will Survive" was playing in the arena. The Tsukuba Robots intentionally did so and that was their message: they have made a fresh start.
The Ibaraki Prefecture-based team played its first game under new management on Saturday, two days after it was officially approved by the NBL on Thursday. The Robots fell to the Chiba Jets 79-50 at Kuji Sunpia Sports Center.
Forward Ryumo Ono hit four 3-pointers for 20 points to guide the Jets (8-9). Justin Burrell racked up 19 points and 10 rebounds for them.