In a thrilling conclusion to the B3 promotion playoff semi-finals, Kagawa Five Arrows faced off against Niigata Albirex BB on April 28, 2025, at the Takamatsu City General Gymnasium. The stakes were high as the teams battled for a coveted spot in the B2 league. Unfortunately for the Five Arrows, they fell short, losing to the Albirex BB with a score of 61-78, which sealed their fate in the playoffs.
This defeat marked the end of Kagawa's playoff journey, finishing with a series record of 1 win and 2 losses against the Albirex BB. The Five Arrows had a stellar regular season, concluding with an impressive record of 41 wins and 11 losses, securing third place in the league and earning a spot in the playoff as one of the top eight teams.
Niigata Albirex BB entered the decisive third game after splitting the first two matches of the series. They had previously won the first game 75-73, thanks to a strong performance from their veteran players, including key contributions from Igarashi, who made crucial three-pointers to shift the momentum in their favor. However, the second game saw the Five Arrows bounce back strongly, with a dominant 87-63 victory, thanks to their tight defense and offensive prowess.
As the third game commenced, both teams were eager to capitalize on their strengths. The Albirex BB's experience proved vital as they executed their game plan effectively, taking advantage of Kagawa's lapses in defense. The Five Arrows struggled to find their rhythm, and despite their best efforts, they could not keep pace with the Albirex BB's scoring.
Head coach of Niigata, Jun Uzawa, expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform under pressure, stating, "We have to focus on our game and not let the moment overwhelm us. Each game is a new opportunity, and we need to play our style of basketball to succeed." His words resonated as the Albirex BB took control early in the match.
In contrast, Kagawa's head coach faced the disappointment of elimination head-on. The Five Arrows had shown resilience throughout the season, but the playoff experience highlighted the areas needing improvement. Despite the loss, their season was one of growth, and they will look to build on this foundation for the next campaign.
As the playoffs progressed, Iwate Big Bulls also made headlines by securing their place in the semi-finals after a pair of victories against Gifu Swoops. The Big Bulls, who finished fourth in the regular season, won the first match by a narrow margin of three points and followed it up with a commanding 86-69 win in the second game. Their performance showcased their depth and ability to execute under pressure, with standout moments including a strong first quarter where they converted five three-pointers.
Coach Hiroki Suzuki praised his team's execution and defensive efforts, saying, "I am proud of how our players executed the game plan and played defensively over these two games. We need to maintain this intensity as we move forward." The Big Bulls are now set to face the winner of the Yokohama versus Yamaguchi matchup in the semi-finals, which will begin on May 9, 2025. If they can secure two victories in that series, they will earn a promotion to B2.
The playoffs have been a showcase of talent and determination, with teams like Niigata and Iwate proving that they have what it takes to compete at a higher level. Fans have rallied behind their teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the arenas. As the postseason continues, the excitement builds for the final stages of the B3 playoffs, with teams vying for a chance at promotion and the glory that comes with it.
In conclusion, the Kagawa Five Arrows' journey in the playoffs may have ended in disappointment, but their remarkable regular season performance sets a strong precedent for the future. Meanwhile, the Niigata Albirex BB and Iwate Big Bulls will look to capitalize on their momentum as they chase their dreams of promotion to B2.
