EASL Semi-Finals: Ryukyu vs Utsunomiya – 2025-26 Schedule & Tip-Off Times

The Utsunomiya Brex and Ryukyu Golden Kings will meet again on the basketball court, this time in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Semifinals, following Utsunomiya’s 85-64 victory over the New Taipei Kings on Wednesday.

The matchup, confirmed by EASL officials, revives a recent rivalry. The two teams faced off in the 2024-25 B.LEAGUE Finals, where Utsunomiya emerged victorious in three games, denying Ryukyu a potential fourth consecutive B.LEAGUE championship. The EASL Semifinals offers Ryukyu a chance at redemption, according to EASL reporting.

Utsunomiya’s win against New Taipei was fueled by a dominant second quarter, where they outscored their opponents 29-7. Grant Jerrett led the Brex with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while D.J. Newbill contributed 22 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds. Gavin Edwards added 20 points off the bench. The Brex shot 49.2% from the field and secured a 49-38 rebounding advantage.

For New Taipei, Jalen Harris scored 18 points, but struggled with his shooting, finishing at 31.3% from the field. Utsunomiya controlled possession for 27 minutes and 39 seconds of the game, compared to New Taipei’s 11 minutes and 35 seconds.

The upcoming semifinal game will be played on March 20, 2026, according to Flashscore. The winner will advance to the EASL Championship Game. Ryukyu plays its home games at the Okinawa Arena in Okinawa.

The Ryukyu Golden Kings roster includes Aluma Keve, Arakawa Hayate, Cooley Jack Ryan, Dotson Damyean, Kirk Alex, Kishimoto Ryuichi, Kobari Koya, Law Vic, Matsuwaki Yoshiyuki, Onodera Shota, Ryunosuke Satori, Sadohara Ryo, Sakihama Shuto, Taira Shogo, Waki Masahiro, and Whitaker Kenta, coached by Dai Oketani.