Ryukyu, the 2021-22 championship runner-up, returns to the B.League Finals with great motivation, while Chiba seeks its second title in three years.
Only the Chiba Jets, Alvark Tokyo, Ryukyu Golden Kings and Yokohama B-Corsairs remain in the B.League title chase as the penultimate playoff weekend looms.
Headlined by the Jets, who set a B.League record with 53 regular-season wins, the quest for the 2022-23 championship tips off with four quarterfinal matchups.
In pursuit of a B.League title, the Alvark Tokyo have showcased their depth, including the talents of Ukrainian backup Ihor Boiarkin, in the past few weeks.
Allowing a league-low 69.2 points per game, the Alvark Tokyo have won seven straight games and are tied for the second-best record in the league.
Among MLB’s most feared hitters and pitchers, Ohtani will appear in the July 19 game at DH ― and surprise no one if he pitches, too.
The departing Tokyo and Chiba bench bosses guided the perennial title contenders with astute leadership and passion.
In the next postseason round, the Brave Thunders play host to the Brex and the Golden Kings face the visiting Susanoo Magic.
The Brave Thunders rout the Alvark Tokyo for their fifth straight victory heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
The Alvark, who improved to 36-9, extended their winning streak to seven.
In the B. League teams’ series finale, the visiting Hannaryz avenged their weekend-opening loss in a down-to-the-wire rematch.
The former California governor, movie star and bodybuilder recalls boyhood idol Yury Vlasov in an emotional anti-war video.
