Latest news with #Utsunomiya
Japan Forward
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Utsunomiya Brex Triumph in BCL Asia Final
Tournament MVP DJ Newbill nailed a game-winning 3-pointer in the final minute to lead the Utsunomiya Brex past Al Riyadi in the title game in Dubai. Utsunomiya Brex guard Hironori Watanabe and his teammates celebrate after winning the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia in Dubai on June 13. (©BCL ASIA/via KYODO) After losing their first game at the 2025 Basketball Champions League Asia, the Utsunomiya Brex rattled off four straight victories to capture the title on Friday night, June 13. In the title match in Dubai, the 2024-25 champions defeated Al Riyadi Beirut Club 94-93 at Coca-Cola Arena. Utsunomiya star DJ Newbill, a former Penn State standout, sank a go-ahead 3-pointer with 33 seconds remaining to account for the final score. Al Riyadi's Hayk Gyokchyan missed a potential game-winning shot from the right side with 7 seconds remaining. Makoto Hiejima shoots a jumper in the BCL Asia championship game. (©FIBA) Star guard Makoto Hiejima paced the Brex with 30 points, including 6-for-10 from 3-point range. He added nine rebounds and five assists. Newbill, who was named tournament MVP, finished with 21 points, making 5 of 10 attempts from beyond the arc, and dished out five assists. In five games in Dubai, Newbill, who was also named MVP in each of the past two seasons, averaged 24.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists. BCL Asia MVP DJ Newbill (©FIBA) New Zealand-born forward Finn Delany, who signed a short-term contract to play for the Brex at this tourney, poured in 19 points, snared seven rebounds and handed out five assists. Isaac Fotu finished with 12 points and Yusuke Endo had six points, while Seiji Ikaruga contributed a team-best two steals. The Brex held a 50-46 lead over the reigning BCL Asia champs at halftime. The title-winning Utsunomiya Brex revel in the post-final euphoria. (©FIBA) After the match, Utsunomiya head coach Zico Coronel praised his players' competitive spirit. "This is kind of what we've continued to do: no matter what situation we're in, we just fight," Coronel said, according to "We stayed together and made big plays." He described the team's second championship in as many months as "very pleasing." Hiejima said his team made important adjustments in the final. "The other team got into a rhythm at the start of the game, but we gradually got into a rhythm from our defense and focused on rebounding," Hiejima told reporters. "It was a game that either team could have won. But in the end we were able to win by doing the small things, so it was a good game." DJ Newbill shoots a layup in the championship match. (©FIBA) In the tourney's group stage, the Brex dropped their opener, losing 97-86 to the Meralco Bolts of the Philippines on June 8. A day later, Utsunomiya beat Dubai's Shahab Al Ahli 105-99. In the quarterfinals on June 11, the Brex topped Iran's Tabat Basketball 94-93. On Thursday, June 12, Utsunomiya outplayed Mongolia's Broncos, winning 94-93 to clinch a berth in the championship match. Joji Takeuchi (©SANKEI) Osaka Evessa forward/center Joji Takeuchi, who has played in the since its inception in 2016, represented the team at a ceremony at Toyonaka City Hall on Friday, June 13. During the ceremony in Osaka Prefecture, Yoshitsugu Iwamoto, Toyonaka's superintendent of education, gave Takeuchi a letter of appreciation for the Evessa's recent donation of 68 basketballs to 17 junior high schools throughout the city. The Evessa teamed up with local charity partner Asahi Denso, an outdoor advertising company, to make the donation. It's a part of the club's SDGs initiative (Sustainable Development Goals), The Sankei Shimbun reported. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks starter Livan Moinelo pitches to a Yokohama DeNA BayStars batter on June 13 in Fukuoka. (©SANKEI) Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks starter Livan Moinelo improved to 6-0 in the 2025 NPB season on Friday, June 13. The veteran left-hander allowed three hits and went the distance in the Hawks' 4-1 victory over the visiting Yokohama DeNA BayStars in interleague play. Moinelo struck out 13 batters in his first complete game of the season. He threw 118 pitches. Looking back on his performance, Moinelo said fatigue was not a factor. "I didn't [throw] many pitches, so I felt I had a lot of energy left in me," he said, according to Jiji Press, referring to the eighth inning. The Hawks, who are in fourth place in the Pacific League, improved to 30-27-3 with Friday's triumph. Moinelo has a Pacific League-best 89 strikeouts in 78⅓ innings. The Cuban-born pitcher has issued only 16 walks. He has a sparkling 1.26 ERA. "My main goal is for the team to win no matter what the situation is," Moinelo was quoted as saying by Jiji Press. "As long as we win, that's all that matters." On June 6, Moinelo fanned 18 batters, one shy of the NPB record, in eight innings against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. The 29-year-old made his NPB debut with SoftBank in 2017. Japanese players depicted on manhole covers. (Courtesy of MLB) Major League Baseball and innovative artists have joined together to promote the 12 current Japanese MLB players. Twelve unique manhole covers, one representing each of the dozen players, will be installed in cities across Japan where they grew up, starting on Monday, June 16. A trio of Iwate Prefecture natives ― Shohei Ohtani, Yusei Kikuchi and Roki Sasaki ― will have their manhole covers unveiled on Monday in Oshu City, Morioka and Rikuzentakata, respectively. The list includes Lars Nootbaar, a St Louis Cardinals outfielder who played for Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Although he was born in the United States, Nootbaar's mother is from Higashimatsuyama, Saitama Prefecture, where his manhole cover will be displayed. This celebration of the players through public displays of art will also incorporate modern technology to transform the manhole covers into portals of interactive activity. "The manholes will feature content exclusive to those that experience the excitement on-site, through short AR movies that can be viewed on mobile devices by scanning the manholes," a news release explained. Check out the full installation schedule for the manhole covers published in this news release on MLB's official website. Japanese boxers (from left) Daigo Higa, Kenshiro Teraji and Kyosuke Takami attend a news conference on June 11. (©SANKEI) Kenshiro Teraji, the WBA and WBC flyweight champion, will meet American challenger Ricardo Sandoval in the main event of the July 30 fight card at Yokohama Buntai. An announcement was made on Wednesday, June 11. Teraji (25-1, 16 knockouts) earned a 12th-round TKO victory in his previous match on March 13 against Seigo Yuri Akui at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. Sandoval is 26-2 with 18 KOs in his pro career. Also scheduled to fight in the world title tripleheader, WBA bantamweight champ Daigo Higa vs American Antonio Vargas, and Dominican WBA light flyweight titlist Erick Rosa vs challenger Kyosuke Takami. Junto Nakatani Beats Ryosuke Nishida with a 6th-Round TKO Aiko Sugihara is seen competing at the NHK Trophy on May 17 in Tokyo. (KYODO) Aiko Sugihara maintained her excellent form of late at the 12th Senior Women's Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships. On June 12, in Jecheon, South Korea, Sugihara collected the gold medal in the women's all-around final. Sugihara amassed 54.765 points in the all-around's four disciplines. Japanese compatriot Haruka Nakamura was the runner-up (54.365), followed by Xinyi Qin of China (53.599). The 25-year-old Sugihara triumphed in the same competition at the NHK Trophy on May 17 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. It was her first all-around title at the prestigious Tokyo meet since 2015, edging Paris Olympian Rina Kishi by 0.033 points. What was Sugihara's reaction after winning at the NHK Trophy? "I never imagined I'd win after 10 years," a thrilled Sugihara told reporters, according to "We all bloom at different times. I'm just glad I found a way to bloom." [ODDS and EVENS] Gymnast Carlos Yulo Honored by Japan's Embassy in Manila A file photo of the Royal Windsor Triathlon. (Courtesy of ROYAL WINDSOR TRIATHLON) Descente is the official triathlon sportswear partner for the 2025 Royal Windsor Triathlon, it was announced on Tuesday, June 10. The Japanese sportswear company has had a long association with the British Triathlon. And now, from a brand visibility standpoint, Descente will receive additional major exposure at another triathlon in the United Kingdom. The Royal Windsor Triathlon, first held in 1991, is scheduled for Sunday, June 15 in Windsor, Berkshire. "Partnering with a global performance brand like Descente is a major milestone for the Royal Windsor Triathlon," said Matt Wood, co-founder of RunThrough, the operator of Royal Windsor Triathlon, according to a news release. "We're thrilled to be the UK platform for Descente's AWAKEN program and proud to showcase our event on a truly international stage. This partnership brings together a world-class brand with [a] strong presence and the unique heritage of Windsor." In highlighting this partnership, a news release stated, "While Descente remains a rising name in the UK sportswear scene, its presence across Asia has long been associated with technical excellence and sleek performance design. By aligning with one of the UK's most distinguished triathlons, the brand aims to introduce its cutting-edge triathlon apparel to a new wave of European athletes." 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 .
Gulf Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Utsunomiya overcome Al Riyadi to clinch FIBA BCL Asia title in Dubai
DJ Newbill nailed arguably the biggest shot of his career to help Utsunomiya Brex dethrone Al Riyadi, 94-93 and claim 2025 FIBA Basketball Champions League Asia title. With the clock ticking down and Utsunomiya trailing by two, Newbill delivered the shot of a lifetime — a perfectly timed, high-arching, step-back three-pointer over the outstretched arm of Marcus Georges-Hunt with 23.6 seconds remaining. It wasn't just a basket — it was a championship dagger. The Brex edged Al Riyadi 94–93 in a rollercoaster finale Friday night at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, snatching the BCL Asia 2025 title in breathtaking fashion. Newbill's late-game heroics turned despair into euphoria for the Japanese side, sparking pandemonium on the Utsunomiya bench and leaving the once-raucous Lebanese faithful stunned into silence. For Newbill, who finished with 21 points, the moment represented the culmination of grit, leadership, and unwavering confidence. While his numbers were solid throughout, it was that one perfect shot — under the brightest lights and heaviest pressure — that defined his night, and perhaps, his career. 'This is why you play the game,' Newbill said after the win. 'You live for these moments. We've been working for this all season, and to come through for the guys when it mattered... it's everything.' With the win, Utsunomiya became only the second Japanese club ever to win the BCL Asia championship, following Alvark Tokyo's victory over the same Al Riyadi side in the 2019 final held in Thailand. The symmetry made the triumph even sweeter for Brex, who have now firmly established themselves among the continent's basketball elite. Acting head coach Zico Coronel called the title a testament to the team's belief and unity under adversity. 'This is what we're all about,' Coronel said. 'No matter what situation we're in, we just fight. We stayed together, trusted each other, and made big plays when it mattered most. This second championship is something we're incredibly proud of — especially considering the quality of opposition we faced.' While Newbill's shot sealed the outcome, it was Makoto Hiejima who carried the load for most of the night with a spectacular all-around performance. The veteran swingman poured in 30 points, including 6-of-10 from deep, and added 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Time and again, Hiejima battled through defensive pressure, created scoring chances, and pushed the tempo in transition — embodying the heart and hustle of a champion. Finn Delany added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Isaac Fotu chipped in 12 points in a balanced offensive display. But the real story was Utsunomiya's shooting barrage: the Brex drained 17 three-pointers in the final alone and hit a record-setting 75 triples over the tournament — the most in a single BCL Asia edition since China Kashgar's 76 in 2016. The Brex also broke a decade-long record for most threes per game, surpassing Al Riyadi's 13.8 average from 2024 and sending a clear message: this team wins with precision, pace, and perimeter firepower. Despite falling short, Al Riyadi showed immense heart and quality, delivering a championship-level performance of their own. Marcus Georges-Hunt led the fightback with 24 points and 8 assists, particularly dominating the second half as the Lebanese champions erased multiple deficits to seize a late lead. Ali Mansour was electric with 22 points, while Hayk Gyokchyan turned in a powerful double-double of 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists. Both players made critical plays down the stretch — with Mansour tying the game at 91 and Gyokchyan giving Al Riyadi the 93–91 lead on a heads-up second-chance putback after a missed shot by Thon Maker. Maker and Karim Zeinoun each added 13 points in a courageous effort by a team running on a shortened rotation, hampered by the tournament-ending absences of Amir Saoud and Wael Arakji, two of the squad's long-time cornerstone guards. 'This was a battle,' said Al Riyadi coach Ahmad Farran. 'We played with everything we had. Missing key players hurt us, but I'm proud of our guys — they showed what it means to wear this jersey.' When the final buzzer sounded and Gyokchyan's last attempt bounced off the rim, jubilation erupted on one side while heartbreak unfolded on the other. Utsunomiya Brex had pulled off the improbable — dethroning the reigning giants and bringing continental glory back to Japan.
Dubai Eye
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Japan's Brex claim Basketball Champions League Asia 2025 title
The Japanese team Utsunomiya Brex captured the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) 2025 title with a 94–93 victory over Lebanon's Al Riyadi in the final match held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The tightly contested final reached its climax when DJ Newbill scored a three-pointer with 23.6 seconds remaining, overturning a 91–93 deficit and giving Utsunomiya Brex a 94–93 lead. With this victory, Utsunomiya ended Al Riyadi's winning streak and denied them a title defence. This win marks only the second time a Japanese club has claimed the BCL Asia crown, the first being Alvark Tokyo in 2019. Earlier in the third-place match, Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar Broncos defeated Shabab Al Ahli 84–79, securing their best-ever finish at continental level.
ARN News Center
14-06-2025
- Sport
- ARN News Center
Japan's Brex claim Basketball Champions League Asia 2025 title
The Japanese team Utsunomiya Brex captured the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) 2025 title with a 94–93 victory over Lebanon's Al Riyadi in the final match held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The tightly contested final reached its climax when DJ Newbill scored a three-pointer with 23.6 seconds remaining, overturning a 91–93 deficit and giving Utsunomiya Brex a 94–93 lead. With this victory, Utsunomiya ended Al Riyadi's winning streak and denied them a title defence. This win marks only the second time a Japanese club has claimed the BCL Asia crown, the first being Alvark Tokyo in 2019. Earlier in the third-place match, Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar Broncos defeated Shabab Al Ahli 84–79, securing their best-ever finish at continental level.
The Mainichi
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Basketball: Utsunomiya clinches B-League title in Game 3 thriller
Utsunomiya Brex guard Makoto Hiejima, right, attempts a shot during Game 3 of the B-League basketball finals against the Ryukyu Golden Kings at Yokohama Arena on May 27, 2025. (Kyodo) YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Makoto Hiejima poured in 14 fourth-quarter points to lead Utsunomiya Brex to a championship-clinching 73-71 victory over the Ryukyu Golden Kings in Game 3 of the B-League basketball finals on Tuesday. With just three points through the first three quarters, the veteran shooting guard exploded in the final period at Yokohama Arena, hitting 5-of-5 from the floor and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. Utsunomiya won the best-of-three series opener 81-68 on Saturday before Ryukyu evened things up with an 87-75 victory the following day. Contesting their fourth-straight finals, the Okinawa-based Golden Kings led 51-44 going into the fourth quarter of Game 3 before Brex came back to take their first lead since the opening period at 67-66 on a three-pointer from finals MVP D.J. Newbill with 1:15 left. Hiejima, who finished with 17 points and three assists, gave coach Zico Coronel's squad the lead for good on a corner three-pointer with 33 seconds on the clock. Ryukyu received a lifeline when Keve Aluma was fouled on a three-point attempt with Utsunomiya up 73-70 and less than a second left. The forward miss his second free-throw, however, forcing him to intentionally miss the third in an unsuccessful attempt to score two points off a rebound. The Utsunomiya players dedicated the team's first title since 2021-2022 to former head coach Kevin Braswell, who died aged 46 during the season in February after suffering complications from emergency heart surgery. The team kept a framed photograph of Braswell on the bench throughout the remainder of the season, including the finals, and the players shouted his initials, "KB," for motivation during their huddles. "We've been to funerals and cried together, and now we get to cry tears of joy," said Coronel, who started the season as Braswell's assistant. "It means the world to us to honor Kevin."
