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Japan Forward
a day ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Toshiba Defends Japan Rugby League One Title
Reporting on the Japan Rugby League One final, golfer Rio Takeda's runner-up finish in the US Women's Open, F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda's struggles and more. Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo players celebrate after winning the Japan Rugby League One playoff final on June 1, 2025, at National Stadium in Tokyo. (©SANKEI) New Zealander Richie Mo'unga scored a tone-setting try in the eighth minute, and Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo collected their second consecutive Japan Rugby League One title on Sunday, June 1. Star flyhalf Mo'unga's squad, which led 8-6 at halftime, held on for an 18-13 triumph over the Kubota Spears in the championship match at Tokyo's National Stadium. In the second half, Toshiba took a commanding 15-6 advantage in the 48th minute on a Yuto Mori try and Mo'unga's conversion. Brave Lupus flyhalf Richie Mo'unga played a starring role in his team's title-clinching victory. (©SANKEI) Mo'unga was the catalyst for Mori's score, initiating the scoring chance after a scrum. His burst of speed in the open field led to a well-timed pass to Mori. The former All Blacks player kicked a penalty goal near the midway point of the second half to make it 18-6. Kubota's Harumichi Tatekawa scored the team's lone try in the 73rd minute. The conversion cut the lead to 18-13. Brave Lupus captain Michael Leitch in action during the second half of the title match. (©SANKEI) After their determined effort over the Spears, Brave Lupus players reacted to their title-clinching performance. Mo'unga, who was named Player of the Match, spoke of the challenge of competing while playing injured. "I broke my right hand in the semifinal (against the Koelco Kobe Steelers on May 24) and was unable to practice for the past week and was still in pain," Mo'unga was quoted as saying by NHK. "But I wanted to win so I chose to play." The popular veteran player added, "For the first try, there was space and I judged that I could use my footwork, so I sensibly chose to dive in. I am happy to win again, and I think it is the result of a solid effort and a [match] that we should have won." Toshiba captain Michael Leitch, a naturalized Japanese citizen, reflected on his club's successful quest to repeat as champs. "It has been a season of learning with each game," Leitch told the media after the match, NHK reported. "I would like to thank the coaches and the support of the non-playing members of the team for helping us win back-to-back championships." The Brave Lupus had a 15-1-2 record in the regular season. Toshiba's Yuto Mori scores a second-half try against Kubota. (©SANKEI) As expressed by Leitch, teamwork was a critical element of Toshiba's success. Mori shared similar sentiments after Toshiba won the match before an announced crowd of 51,009. "At the end, even in the final, we felt like we won as a team," Mori was quoted as saying by Sankei Sports . Rio Takeda tees off the first hole during the final round of the US Women's Open in Erin, Wisconsin, on June 1. (Benny Sieu/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) LPGA Tour rookie Rio Takeda shot an even-par 72 in the final round of the 80th US Women's Open and finished tied for second with world No 1 Nelly Korda on Sunday, June 1. Takeda completed the tournament with a 5-under 283 at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin. Sweden's Maja Stark, who entered the final round with a one-stroke lead, won her first women's golf major with a 7-under 281. Japan's Mao Saigo carded a 73 on Sunday and ended up in a three-way tie for fourth at 4-under 284. Saigo's best 18-hole effort of the tourney was in the second round, when she shot a 66. Compatriot Hinako Shibuno finished at 3-under 285 and tied for seventh. She began the event with a 70, followed by a 69 and a 72 before shooting a 2-over 74 on the final day. Heading into the fourth round, Takeda, Saigo and Shibuno were two strokes off the pace. Takeda made three birdies, a bogey and a double bogey in the final round. She shot a 1-over 37 on the front nine. "If I had made a few more putts down the stretch, I think I could have tied for the lead," Takeda said, according to Kyodo News. Asked about the overall experience of competing at the US Women's Open, the 22-year-old described it in positive terms. "I was a contender for that last day of this major, so it was a very good experience for me," Takeda told a news conference. "Of course I wanted to win and I couldn't. So I'll come back next year and try hard again." [ODDS and EVENS] Rio Takeda Showcases Talent at Blue Bay LPGA in China Haas' Esteban Ocon (left) and Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda in action during the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona. (Juan Medina/REUTERS) Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda placed 13th in Formula One's Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, June 1 in Barcelona. The Kanagawa Prefecture native had the worst performance in qualifying, placing last among 20 drivers on Saturday, May 31. So, not surprisingly, he looked ahead to the next day's race with more negative vibes than positive feelings. "It just isn't a good feeling, so far what I feel is the car is eating its tires a lot, and every lap, whatever I do, I have the degradation," Tsunoda said, according to F1's official website. But, anyway, hopefully the setup change made a step forward. I'm hoping it will be better, but realistically, I'm a little bit less hopeful." The Spanish Grand Prix was the ninth race on the 2025 F1 calendar. Up next: the Canadian GP on June 15 in Montreal. Max Verstappen Returns to Winning Ways at the Japanese Grand Prix Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitches against the New York Yankees on June 1 at Dodger Stadium. (KYODO) Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto had his shortest outing of the Major League Baseball season in a 7-3 home loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday. Yamamoto (6-4, 2.39 ERA) lasted just 3⅔ innings. He allowed seven hits and four runs before being pulled from the game by Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts. Yamamoto had pitched at least five innings in each of his previous 11 starts. Brazilian forward Leo Ceara of the Kashima Antlers leads the with 11 goals in the 2025 season. The soccer standout has appeared in 12 matches for the first-place squad. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Tokyo Yushun: Race Favorite Croix du Nord Delivers Impressive Victory
Guided by jockey Yuichi Kitamura, the Kitasan Black offspring maintained a fast pace throughout the 92nd Tokyo Yushun and finished strong to secure the win. Croix du Nord, piloted by Yuichi Kitamura, wins the 92nd Tokyo Yushun on June 1, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Odds-on favorite Croix du Nord validated his Hopeful Stakes (G1, 2,000 meters) victory in December 2024 by winning the 92nd Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) by three-quarters of a length on Sunday, June 1. The son of Kitasan Black had three wins in as many starts last year and kicked off the 2025 racing campaign with the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000, Guineas, G1, 2,000 meters) on April 20 as the heavy favorite. In that race, Croix du Nord had to settle for second, 1½ lengths behind Museum Mile. On Sunday at Tokyo Racecourse, trainer Takashi Saito and jockey Yuichi Kitamura both claimed their first Japan Racing Association G1 title since the 2024 Hopeful Stakes with this colt. It was Saito's ninth overall G1 win and Kitamura's seventh. While it was their first Classic title for both the trainer and jockey, owner Sunday Racing notched its fifth Japanese Derby victory — renewing the JRA record for most Derby titles won. The 92nd running of the Tokyo Yushun at Tokyo Racecourse. (©SANKEI) Croix du Nord broke smoothly from stall 13, shifted closer to the inside and secured a prominent position around third or fourth behind Satono Shining (Yutaka Take's ride), who was rushed to the front in his bid to lead the 18-horse field. He then gave way to Ho O Atman (Hironobu Tanabe) soon after as a pacesetter entering the backstretch. Kitamura kept his mount in good rhythm as Ho O Atman increased his lead from the rest of the field by almost 10 lengths. The 2,400-meter race began in earnest as the leader weakened 300 meters out. At that point, Croix du Nord came powerfully up the center lane to duel with Satono Shining. Croix du Nord then pulled away from Satono Shining at the furlong pole while holding off a powerful chase by runner-up Masquerade Ball (Ryusei Sakai) and third-place finisher Shohei (Christophe Lemaire) to earn a three-quarter length victory. ( Watch the full race on the JRA's YouTube channel. ) Winning jockey Yuichi Kitamura (©SANKEI) "I felt it was my responsibility to make Croix du Nord a Derby winner ever since the colt won the Hopeful Stakes. So my feeling now is that I am relieved to have accomplished my mission," Kitamura said after the race. "The whole process since the win last year, including our runner-up effort in the Satsuki Sho, was a meaningful and precious learning experience for me." Added Kitamura, "The colt felt great today and I was able to come into the race with every confidence, so victory itself came as no surprise to me." How did the race unfold? "The break was smooth and after that, I was concentrating on keeping him in a comfortable rhythm more so than what position he was sitting in," said Kitamura. "In the stretch run, he responded really well and as I've said, I had every confidence in the colt and drove him on believing that he would make it to the wire a winner." The start of the 92nd Tokyo Yushun. (©SANKEI) Masquerade Ball secured a comfortable position in mid-field with a close view of the race favorite and eventual winner, running a few lengths in front. Giving the colt a breather along the backstretch before edging closer along the outside approaching the last two turns, Sakai guided the colt further out for a clear run into the stretch where the son of Duramente turned in a terrific turn of foot. He closed in on the eventual winner while overtaking both Shohei and Satono Shining to secure second place, although just short of reaching the winner. Shohei made use of an inside break to sit close to the pace while saving ground along the rails before shifting out slightly coming into the straight to follow the eventual winner. And while unable to match that foe, Shohei ran gamely to overtake Satono Shining in the last strides to secure third place. Satono Shining finished fourth, a neck's length behind Shohei. Eighth pick Eri King (Yuga Kawada) and second favorite Museum Mile (Damian Lane) placed fifth and sixth, respectively. The 75th Yasuda Kinen is the JRA's next G1 race on Sunday, June 8 at Tokyo Racecourse. Read the full report , including details on each of the Tokyo Yushun entrants, on JRA News. Author: JRA News
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
B.League Unveils Best Five Team and Other Awards
Teammates DJ Newbill and Makoto Hiejima of the title-winning Utsunomiya Brex were named to the Best Five Team for the second straight year. chairman Shinji Shimada (left) and Utsunomiya Brex coach Zico Coronel pose with Brex players during the league's annual awards show on May 30, 2025, in Tokyo. Coronel and Kevin Braswell, his predecessor who died in February, share the Head Coach of the Year Award. (©SANKEI) The 2024-25 Award show was held on Friday, honoring players and teams for their achievements during the season. At the annual event in Tokyo, the top accolade went to Utsunomiya Brex veteran guard DJ Newbill, who was named season MVP for the second straight year. The Penn State alum also received the Finals MVP accolade after helping lead the Brex past the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the championship series on Tuesday, May 27. Newbill averaged 21.7 points and 6.0 assists, leading all players in both categories, in the three-game series. During the regular season, he averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He was eighth in scoring and second in assists in the 24-team league. Above all, Newbill's confidence, productivity and on-court leadership were instrumental in the Brex's overall success. Utsunomiya had a league-best 48-12 record and Newbill was the team's best player this past season. MVP DJ Newbill receives the MVP award for the second year in a row. (©SANKEI) At the banquet, Newbill paid tribute to his late mentor Kevin Braswell, the team's head coach who passed away on February 24. He thanked Braswell for his positive influence on his career. "I'd like to dedicate the MVP award to him," Braswell told the audience, Sankei Sports reported. "I want give a shout-out to my former coach, Coach KB," Newbill said on the stage. "[And] I think this season he really lit a fire under me and challenged me to take my game to new heights, and even with this season being as difficult as it was, losing him, I think everything that he's taught me from Day 1 and taught us from Day 1 ... our team just kept the determination each and every day in practice and each and every game." MVP DJ Newbill (©SANKEI) Newbill, who turned 33 on May 22, two days before the Finals started, headlines the Best Five Team for the second year in a row. Players are selected for their overall excellence throughout the season. Also named to the Best Five Team was Brex shooting guard Makoto Hiejima, who was selected for the fourth time and for the second straight year. Hiejima averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 assists in 58 games. He was at his best in the fourth quarter in Game 3 of the Finals, when he scored 14 of his 17 points to ignite the Brex comeback. Hiejima was also recognized for being the top 3-point shooter in the He led all players with 44.3% shooting accuracy (133 of 300) from beyond the arc. Brex star Makoto Hiejima (©SANKEI) "I've acquired the ability to finish off shots when the opponent is more cautious," Hiejima said, reflecting on his success as an outside shooter in 2024-25. "I think this award shows my growth." Ryukyu forward Vic Law (16.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists) was named to the Best Five Team for the first time. San-en NeoPhoenix swingman David Nwaba (17.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists) and NeoPhoenix point guard Ryusei Sasaki (who led the in assists with 6.5 per game and scored 11.5 ppg) were also both first-time honorees. Ryukyu's Masahiro Waki ( NeoPhoenix guard Sota Oura, who averaged 9.8 points and 4.6 assists off the bench in 59 games (zero starts) received the Best Sixth Man accolade. Chibs Jets guard/forward Shuta Hara received the Best Defender Award for the second time. He also won it in the 2022-23 campaign. Golden Kings shooting guard Masahiro Waki was chosen as the Rookie of the Year. The Kumamoto native contributed 7.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 60 games (49 starts) for Ryukyu. The 2024-25 champion Utsunomiya Brex attend the awards ceremony. (©SANKEI) Braswell and Brex acting head coach Zico Coronel were named co-winners of the Head Coach of the Year Award. Appropriately, the league recognized the coaching leadership of both men and the challenge that Coronel faced. Hired as Braswell's assistant, the New Zealander stepped in to guide the team after Braswell had a heart attack in January and died a few weeks later. Second Team honors went to guards Yuki Togashi (Chiba Jets) and Seiya Ando (Shimane Susanoo Magic) and frontcourt standouts Ryan Rossiter (Alvark Tokyo), Yante Maten (NeoPhoenix) and Brock Motum (Shiga Lakes). Kashima Antlers forward Leo Ceara scores in the ninth minute against Gamba Osaka on May 31 in Suita, Osaka Prefecture. (KYODO) Entering June, the fifth month of the 2025 season, the Kashima Antlers appear to be well on their way to claiming their ninth league title. There's, of course, a slew of matches still to be played. But the Antlers (13 wins, one draw, five defeats) have excelled since the start of the season in February and sit atop the table with 40 points. Sitting in second and third place, respectively, are Kashiwa Reysol (34 points for 19 matches) and Sanfrecce Hiroshima (32 points for 18 matches). On Wednesday, June 4, Hiroshima will play its 19th game, facing host Avispa Fukuoka, to equal the total to date of Kashima and Kashiwa. The Antlers earned their latest victory ― a 1-0 away decision over Gamba Osaka ― on Saturday, May 31. Brazilian Leo Ceara scored the lone goal in the ninth minute at Panasonic Stadium Suita. It was Kashima's fourth win in four matches, a stretch in which manager Toru Oniki's club allowed zero goals three times and a single tally on two occasions. Oniki acknowledged his team set the tone for the win with its first-half effort. "The players worked hard and the supporters supported us," the veteran manager told reporters after the match. "I think that was the only thing that mattered in the first half." With 29 goals scored and only 15 allowed so far, the Antlers have strong overall productivity on offense and defense. And they look like the clear-cut favorite to win another title. ODDS and EVENS | Season is Providing Compelling Competition Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run in the first inning against the New York Yankees on May 30 at Dodger Stadium. (Jason Parkhurst/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 8-5 on Friday, May 30 at Dodger Stadium. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani belted a pair of solo home runs for the hosts in the opener of a three-game series. Ohtani homered off Yankees starter Max Fried in the first inning. He added a bases-empty blast off Fried in the sixth. The pride of Iwate Prefecture leads MLB in home runs (22) in the 2025 season. Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to start the series finale on Sunday. Yamamoto (6-3) is among MLB's ERA leaders (1.97, fifth-lowest average through May 30). Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga plays catch on May 30 in Chicago. (KYODO) In other MLB news, Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga is making progress in his recovery from a left hamstring strain, according to manager Craig Counsell. Imanaga has not pitched in a game since sustaining the injury on May 4. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 23. On Wednesday, May 28, Imanaga had an on-field test for his physical recovery. It included fielding practice and running along with a 28-pitch bullpen session, The Associated Press reported. What was Counsell's assessment of Imanaga's workout? "So all in all, a very good workday," Counsell was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. "Kind of repeat that this weekend, assuming everything turns up well tomorrow, and then go from there." For Imanaga, a trip to the Cubs spring training complex in Mesa, Arizona, would be the next step in making preparations for his return to the starting rotation. Highly touted Japanese baseball prospect Rintaro Sasaki played in all 52 of the Stanford University baseball team's games during the 2025 season. The Cardinal (27-25) lost their final game to Virginia Tech in the first round of the Atlantic Coast Conference Baseball Championship on May 20. Sasaki finished his freshman season with a .269 batting average with seven homers and 41 RBIs. He also had a team-high 25 walks. Doubles partners Hiroto Shinozuka (left) and Shunsuke Togami react after winning the men's final at the World Table Tennis Championships on May 25 in Lusail, Qatar. (AP/via KYODO) For the first time since 1961, Japan claimed the men's doubles title at the World Table Tennis Championships on Sunday, May 25. Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami teamed up for a 6-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6 victory over Taiwan's Cheng Jui Kao and Yun Ju Lin in Lusail, Qatar. Shinozuka and Togami were the No 2 seeds. Their Taiwanese opponents were seeded sixth. After winning the title, Togami, 23, was euphoric. "I'm so happy," Togami said, according to Kyodo News. "We dropped the first game because of my errors, but a fired-up Hiroto Shinozuka was alongside me." In Beijing, Nobuya Hoshino and Koji Kimura triumphed at the 1961 World Table Tennis Championships. ―Former NPB pitching star Kimiyasu Kudo , who won five Japan Series titles as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks manager (during his tenure from 2015-21), on his baseball aspirations for Indonesia. Kudo, 62, participated in a baseball clinic, featuring junior high and high school students, in Jakarta on May 17, NHK reported. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Japan Forward
6 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Sumo Star Onosato Becomes the 75th Yokozuna
Onosato earned promotion to sumo's highest rank faster than any other wrestler. The Ishikawa Prefecture native received the honor after only 13 tournaments. Onosato (left) and stablemaster Nishinoseki attend a yokozuna promotion ceremony on May 28, 2025, in Ami, Ibaraki Prefecture. (©SANKEI) Onosato has had a brilliant start to his sumo wrestling career, winning four of his first 13 tournaments as a professional. And now, after capturing back-to-back titles, including the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, May 25 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Ishikawa Prefecture native has reached the pinnacle of his sport. The Japan Sumo Association's board of directors held a meeting on Wednesday, May 28 and, as expected, unanimously approved Onosato's promotion to yokozuna (grand champion), the sport's highest rank. Consecutive titles is considered a requirement for an ozeki to ascend to the highest rank. Onosato's rapid rise to the top broke the record for the fewest number of tournaments needed to become a yokozuna. In the 1940s, Haguroyama and Terukuni both became yokozuna with just 16 tournaments under their belt. The six-tournament era was adopted in 1958. And during the modern era of Japan's traditional sport, Wajima, another Ishikawa Prefecture native, set the previous record of earning promotion to grand champion after 21 tourneys in May 1973. Newly promoted yokozuna Onosato holds the Hanshin Tigers megaphone after his promotion ceremony. (©SANKEI) Becoming a yokozuna carries great responsibility as a public figure and as a bearer of the sport's traditional values. On Wednesday, JSA representatives visited Nishinoseki stable in Ami, Ibaraki Prefecture, where Onosato trains, to deliver the good news. "Since entering professional sumo, I've always thought the rank of yokozuna is something I'd absolutely aim for. I'm happy to have achieved it," Onosato said, according to Kyodo News. "I think what I do from here is important." Onosato won his fourth Emperor's Cup at the Summer Basho on May 25 in Tokyo. (KYODO) Onosato, whose given name is Daiki Nakamura, turns 25 on June 7. The 192-cm wrestler made his pro debut in May 2023. Before that, he was a Nippon Sport Science University student and wrestler. After Terunofuji's retirement in January 2025, there was a one-yokozuna period for several months. There are now two yokozuna once again, with Onosato joining Mongolian Hoshoryu, who has held the rank since January, at the top. Hoshoryu spoiled Onosato's bid for a perfect Summer Basho, winning their match on the 15th and final day, meaning Onosato finished with a 14-1 record. Looking ahead, Onosato is determined to make his mark as a yokozuna. "I will devote myself to training so as not to disgrace the rank of yokozuna," Onosato was quoted as saying by The Asahi Shimbun on Wednesday. He added, "I aim to be the one and only grand champion." Onosato and stablemaster Nishinoseki (right) attend the promotion ceremony. (KYODO) What does being called yokozuna mean to him now? "I still haven't gotten used to it," The Sankei Shimbun reported him saying at Nishinoseki stable. "[But] I guess I will get used to it." Retired yokozuna Kisenosato, now known as Nishinoseki stablemaster, has guided Onosato's career. In 2017, he became the last Japanese to earn the prestigious title of yokozuna. Mongolians have dominated sumo's makuuchi (top) division over the past few decades. "I hope he leads by example and lifts the entire world of sumo," stablemaster Nishonoseki said of Onosato, according to Kyodo News. "It's important to be strong, but I hope he becomes a role model for other wrestlers. I hope he wrestles while being aware [of a yokozuna's responsibilities]." Then-ozeki Onosato defeats fourth-ranked maegashira Takerufuji on Day 7 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on May 17. (©SANKEI) In May 2024, Onosato won his first Emperor's Cup with a 12-3 record as a komusubi, sumo's fourth-highest rank. As a result, he was promoted to sekiwake for the July 2024 meet in Nagoya. In his second tourney as a sekiwake, Onosato claimed his second Emperor's Cup at the Autumn Basho in Tokyo in September 2024, posting a 13-2 record. That earned him another promotion, reaching ozeki for the final meet of 2024 in November in Fukuoka. Interestingly enough, upon his promotion to the sport's second-highest rank, Onosato also vowed to be "the one and only" ozeki. There was no doubt that Onosato had the ability to shine as an ozeki and that he was destined for even greater prestige. He compiled a 45-15 record as an ozeki, raising his win total from nine to 10 to 12 to 14 in his four meets at that rank. Winning the Spring Basho by beating Kisenosato in a playoff at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Onosato took that first big step toward promotion to yokozuna. His outstanding Summer Basho performance was confirmation that has the ability to be a great sumo wrestler for many years to come. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Japan Forward
7 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
B.League Finals: Utsunomiya Rallies Past Ryukyu to Capture the Title
In Game 3 of the Finals, the Brex erased an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Makoto Hiejima led the comeback with 14 points in the final period. The Utsunomiya Brex captured the franchise's third title on May 27, 2025, at Yokohama Arena, beating the Ryukyu Golden Kings 73-71 in Game 3. (© YOKOHAMA ― Big plays and big moments defined Game 3 of the Finals. The Utsunomiya Brex also had more points in the fourth quarter (29) than either team had in the other 10-minute periods. Star guard Makoto Hiejima's dynamic fourth quarter, when he scored 14 of his 17 points, provided the spark to ignite the Brex offense in the game's most critical stage against the Ryukyu Golden Kings. Simply put, Hiejima's 5-for-5 shooting touch in the final stanza was a pivotal component of the team's title-clinching, 73-71 victory at Yokohama Arena on Tuesday night, May 27. The Brex have now won more titles (three) than any other team in history. The Alvark Tokyo have a pair of titles (2017-18 and 2018-19, when the championship was decided by a single game). It was an emotional win for the Brex, who dedicated their season to Kevin Braswell, their beloved head coach who died on February 24, 2025, at age 46 after having a heart attack and heart surgery. In every game they played since his death, Braswell's framed portrait was displayed on the seat next to bench boss Zico Coronel, who succeeded him as the team's top coach. Coronel later held the picture frame, with Braswell's photo facing his heart during his postgame interview. Braswell and Coronel were close friends who previously coached together and against one another in New Zealand. After the fourth quarter ended, Utsunomiya players, the coaching staff and team personnel exchanged hugs and smiles and tears of joy. Makoto Hiejima (©SANKEI) Zico Coronel (©SANKEI) DJ Newbill (©SANKEI) Coronel described the Golden Kings as a sensational team during his postgame interview on the court, noting their four consecutive appearances in the Finals. He said they are "an unbelievable collection of coaches [and] players." To beat Ryukyu in Game 3, "we are very fortunate," said Coronel, who hails from New Zealand. Kevin Braswell's portrait is displayed on the Utsunomiya Brex bench during Game 3. (KYODO) Coronel then spoke about Braswell's children, recalling something their father had mentioned. "Your dad believed this team could be special," an emotional Coronel said. "You see now he's a wise man. He believed you could be very, very special through the ups and downs in life as you grow up. Never forget that." Coronel called the Brex "a special team." "I think you can see by all the tears there's no other team who has been in the hospital together, been to the funeral together," he said, recalling the team's collective experience over the past few months. This title, he said, "means the world to us," and by winning it, "we get to honor KB." Coronel then paid tribute to Utsunomiya's fans. "You were amazing for your team all year long," he said. "As we've said all season long since day one, Brex Nation, you were the big yellow wave that brought us home to the shore. Thank you very much." Finals MVP DJ Newbill averaged 21.7 points and 6.0 assists in the three games at Yokohama Arena. ( Brex guard DJ Newbill, who scored a game-high 19 points and handed out five assists to lead all players, was named Finals MVP. "Man, I feel great," the Penn State alum said. "I'm so proud of our team and so proud of our fans. [And] I'm just filled with joy right now." Newbill added, "Man, we all had the same goal since KB passed on and we wanted to get one (the title) for him. And we got one for KB." Newbill was named MVP of the 2023-24 season, his first with the Brex. Utsunomiya had a league-best 51-9 record last season but lost in the opening round of the playoffs. They returned in October 2024 with a new head coach in Braswell, who previously had been an assistant coach with the team, and once again had the league's best record (48-12). Brex guard Makoto Hiejima defends Golden Kings guard Hayate Arakawa in the first half. (KYODO) The Golden Kings took an 18-11 lead into the second quarter and continued to dominate. With 2:37 remaining until halftime, a Keve Aluma 3-pointer gave them a double-digit lead (35-23) for the first time. Moments later, Yoshiyuki Matsuwaki sank another 3 to make it 38-26. By halftime, Golden Kings star Vic Law was one rebound shy of a double-double (11 points, nine boards). Ryukyu's Jack Cooley (right) and Utsunomiya's Gavin Edwards compete in Game 3. (KYODO) Capitalizing on its energy, Ryukyu created consistent scoring opportunities in the opening half, outscoring Utsunomiya 12-2 on fast-break plays. The Golden Kings also had nine turnovers in the first half. Additional mistakes on offense were more costly in the second half for Ryukyu coach Dai Oketani's club. "In the first half, we were able to play good basketball at the pace of the Kings," Oketani said after the game. "But in the second half, our scoring was halted by turnovers, and we were targeted for those points by Utsunomiya, which has very skilled players." Hiejima was held to zero points on 0-for-4 shooting in the first half. Trailing by 12 points when the third quarter began, the Brex quickly began to chip away at the lead. Gavin Edwards nailed the first basket of the second half, a 3-pointer, at the 9:03 mark. Just over a minute later, Edwards caught a pass from Hiejima and slammed the ball through the net. The Brex trailed 43-36 at this point. Momentum was shifting. With 6:07 to play in the third, Edwards was called for his third foul, as Cooley took a charge. Both veteran standouts fouled out in the fourth quarter. Utsunomiya's Grant Jerrett had 15 points in Game 3. ( Former NBA forward Grant Jerrett capped a 10-0 run and cut it to 43-42 on a putback. For Ryukyu, that one-point lead was back to five and then a Tatsuya Ito steal, followed by a Masahiro Waki layup increased its advantage to 51-44 on the final play of the third quarter. But the Golden Kings had an inadequate performance on offense in the third, making only 4 of 12 shots from the floor. The absence of point guard Ryuichi Kishimoto (foot injury), who has a knack for hitting clutch shots, proved to be a factor in this series. Makoto Hiejima, seen in action in the second quarter, found his shooting touch in the second half. ( With 9:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, Aluma knocked down a 3. The Okinawa squad now led 57-46 and Aluma now had 12 points on the night to the delight of rabid Ryukyu supporters, who were smiling and chanting "Go, go Kings" That was when Hiejima started to heat up on offense. He made a 3-pointer in response to Aluma's. Looking back on the Utsunomiya comeback, Hiejima spoke about his style of play. Makoto Hiejima led all scorers with 14 points in the fourth quarter. (©SANKEI) "I'm sorry, but I don't shoot unless I'm under pressure," Hiejima said on the court in his postgame interview. Describing his role as the catalyst of the rally, he added: "It was a shot that I really made with my heart, and I believe that the late head coach Braswell gave me the push I needed." Shortly after that, a pair of Newbill free throws cut it to 58-53 with 6:50 to play. Cooley picked up his fifth foul with 5:48 remaining. It was a frustrating night for the longtime Kings big man, who finished with four points and three rebounds. After Cooley's departure, Brex guard Atsuya Ogawa buried a left-corner 3-pointer for his first basket of the game. Utsunomiya now trailed 62-57. That quickly changed. Hiejima showcased his athleticism on a driving layup and made it a one-possession game, 62-59 in favor of Ryukyu. With 3:49 remaining, Hiejima lived up to his reputation as a player who thrives in high-pressure moments, converting a mid-range jumper. Newbill's stop-and-pop 3-pointer made it 67-66 with 1:15 remaining, and gave the Brex their first lead since the 8:47 mark of the opening quarter. After Aluma sank two foul shots to put his team ahead by one, Hiejima flushed a catch-and-shoot 3 from the left corner. That gave Utsunomiya a 70-68 lead with 33 seconds remaining. Hiejima sank two free throws to extend the lead to 72-68. Seiji Ikaruga made the first of two foul shots with 11 seconds to play, giving the Brex a 73-68 lead. Aluma missed a 3 on the Golden Kings' next possession and Kirk's putback jam made it 73-70. Ikaruga turned the ball over with 2 seconds to play, giving Ryukyu a chance to tie the game. And Aluma was fouled by Kosuke Takeuchi on a 3-point attempt with 0.6 seconds remaining. A 79.6% free-throw shooter in the regular season, Aluma made the first attempt and the second one rattled off the rim. He intentionally missed the third one, giving his team the possibility of being in greater position to snare the rebound and make a game-tying shot. The first part of that strategy worked, as Law grabbed the rebound. Then Jerrett made the Brex's biggest defensive play of the game, blocking Law's close-range shot. The final buzzer sounded. Brex fans rejoiced. And the Golden Kings lost in the Finals for the second consecutive year. The Utsunomiya Brex celebrate the franchise's third title. ( "When I think about whether or not we were able to switch the game around properly as a team when the other team took over in the fourth quarter, I have some regrets," said Matsuwaki, one of three Golden Kings players to score in double digits. He had 12 points, Aluma scored 15 and Law had 16 on 4-for-16 shooting and 13 rebounds. Matsuwaki added, "However, I am proud that we were able to make it to the Finals stage like this, and I am glad that we fought as a team. We really wanted to win the championship, but I think we were able to move in the right direction throughout the season." The Golden Kings react after their Game 3 loss. (KYODO) Coach Oketani expressed gratitude for his players' effort in the Finals and throughout the season. "The players fought hard until the very end, despite everything that has happened so far," said Oketani, whose team defeated the San-en NeoPhoenix in double overtime in Game 2 of the playoff semifinals to force a decisive Game 3. A Game 2 win on Sunday, May 25 provided the same opportunity for his club in the Finals. "Everyone grew and fulfilled their roles," added Oketani. "I feel that it was a very successful season. I would like to thank all of our fans for their support, for today's game would not have been possible without it. We will work even harder, and I hope that you, the fans, will join us in supporting us." On YouTube, commenting on a Game 3 highlights video, a Golden Kings supporter shared their thoughts on the 2024-25 season and the Finals. "I was happy to see the Kings playing without giving up until the very end," the fan wrote. "Of course it's frustrating, but thank you so much for bringing us to the Finals. I think it's really amazing that they've made it to the Finals four years in a row. They are the pride of Okinawa." Newbill was the leading scorer in Game 1 (25 points), and he led all players with 21 points in Game 2. Since the current format (best-of-three) was first held in 2021 for the Finals, two championship series required a third game. The Chiba Jets claimed the title in 2021 with a Game 3 win over the Brex. And in 2024, the Hiroshima Dragonflies topped the Golden Kins 65-50 in Game 3. Nearly all of the Utsunomiya boosters, who proudly claim membership in the Brex Nation, wore yellow shirts or team jerseys. Almost every Golden Kings fan was clad in either yellow or white. In all, it was a bright backdrop of colors in the spacious arena. After losing the battle on the boards in Game 2 (Ryukyu outrebounded Utsunomiya 47-33), the Brex had a stronger effort in that phase of the game on Tuesday as the Kings held a slight edge (41-37). Brex teammates Makoto Hiejima and DJ Newbill embrace after the game. ( "It was a really tough season, but everyone on the team played with a special and strong desire for head coach Braswell, and I am very happy that we were able to make history with this win," Hiejima said after the Brex's title-clinching win. Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
