As the excitement builds for the B.League Championship, Alvark Tokyo prepares to face off against the Chiba Jets in the Quarterfinals, starting May 10, 2025, at YUURAKUCHO COLLOSIUM. The matchup promises to be thrilling, with both teams eager to make their mark in this pivotal series.
Alvark Tokyo, finishing the regular season in second place in the B1 Central District, has successfully secured its spot in the Championship Series, and Head Coach Dainius Adomaitis is optimistic about his team's performance. "I believe we ended the regular season on a good note, and all players fulfilled their roles and made an impact," Adomaitis stated. He emphasized the importance of stability, noting that fluctuations during games have been a concern. "The key to winning in the Championship Series will be concentration. If we lose focus on offense or defense, we risk allowing our opponents to gain momentum," he added, underlining the need for physicality and solid transition defense.
Yudai Oomuro, who is experiencing his first Championship Series with Alvark, reflected on the season, stating, "It felt like there were more times when we struggled as a team. There were injuries and changes in our roster, which made it challenging. There were moments of uncertainty about whether what we were doing was correct." Despite these challenges, Oomuro is proud of the team's perseverance. He also expressed satisfaction with his health, having played in 59 games this season.
On the other hand, Sebastian Saiz has showcased his strength inside the paint. "I really feel like I played well this season. I was able to be a good asset for the team, and I think my strengths showed during the regular season," he said. Saiz stressed the importance of each possession in the short-term decisive battles, emphasizing that every player needs to contribute their unique skills for the team to succeed.
Both Oomuro and Saiz have a history with the Chiba Jets, and the Quarterfinals will see them facing their former team. Oomuro expects Chiba to be a formidable opponent, saying, "They will definitely make their shots. They are a team that comes into the Championship Series with a strong mindset. We need to remain calm and do what we need to do, regardless of the situation." This focus on composure is crucial as they prepare for the high-stakes games ahead.
Saiz also shared his thoughts on facing former teammates, noting, "Of course, they are good friends and great teammates. Even though we are on different teams now, I have special memories with the championship team from back then. Veteran Nishimura is still going strong, and Hara is improving rapidly. Tominaga is, of course, a key player who keeps getting better. I'm looking forward to the matchup against them."
This season, Alvark Tokyo has faced Chiba Jets three times in the Emperor's Cup and regular season, winning all encounters. However, Adomaitis is cautious about relying on past victories. "We must not think about our three wins against Chiba in the regular season and Emperor's Cup. The Championship Series is a fresh start, and we are starting from zero. The focus is on winning two games in this series," he stated, emphasizing the need for a focused approach.
Saiz echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Chiba Jets' explosive scoring ability. "Chiba is a very fast-paced team that can score quickly. If we allow them to gain momentum, they can hit a lot of three-pointers. While we have won three times in the regular season and Emperor's Cup, I believe past records are irrelevant in the Championship Series. Our focus must be on each game, one at a time," he said.
The Quarterfinal matchup between Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets marks a significant moment for both teams, as Alvark aims for its first championship title in six years since the 2018-19 season. The first game will tip off on May 10, 2025, at 13:05, with the second match scheduled for May 11, 2025, at the same time. Fans are eager to see how this intense rivalry unfolds in the Championship Series.
For those interested in following the action, the B.League Championship games will be live-streamed on platforms such as U-NEXT and Basketball LIVE, offering fans various ways to catch the excitement. With a 31-day free trial available on U-NEXT, fans can enjoy all B.League games without missing a moment of the action.
As the Championship Series approaches, both teams are gearing up for a battle that will not only test their skills but also their resolve. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, fans can expect a thrilling display of basketball as Alvark Tokyo and Chiba Jets vie for supremacy in this prestigious tournament.
