Where: Studio City Event Center

‍When: Sunday, March 20, 15:00 / 15:10 P.M. (On-air / Tip-off) CST

‍Team Records: Alvark Tokyo (5-1, No. 1 in Group C) / Ryukyu Golden Kings (5-1, No. 1 in Group B)

‍Where to Watch: Ticket Information / Broadcast Information  

‍

‍

TEAM STATISTIC LEADERS 

Taoyuan Pauian Pilots 

Points: Alec Brown — 19.6 

Rebounds: William Artino — 9.9
Assists: Pai Yao-Cheng — 3.4 

Steals: Lu Chun-Hsiang — 1.0

Blocks: Alec Brown — 2.0

‍

Utsunomiya Brex 

Points: Grant Jerrett, D.J. Newbill — 23.4
Rebounds: Grant Jerrett — 8.6

Assists: D.J. Newbill — 7.0 

Steals: D.J. Newbill — 1.6 

Blocks: Grant Jerrett — 0.8

‍‍Note: Stats do not include Isaac Fotu, who was not included in Utsunomiya’s gameday roster.

‍

‍

THE RUNDOWN

It's a P.LEAGUE+ against B.LEAGUE EASL Championship for the second straight season. The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots and Utsunomiya Brex arrive as champions in their own right — Taoyuan winning the P.LEAGUE+ title for the first time ever, Utsunomiya claiming a record third B.LEAGUE championship. Now both hunt their first EASL title.

The road here was hard-earned. Taoyuan defeated Seoul SK Knights 89-69 in the quarterfinals before dismantling Alvark Tokyo 102-76 in the semis — the largest winning margin in EASL postseason history. Utsunomiya edged New Taipei 85-64 in the quarters before pulling off a remarkable comeback against Ryukyu Golden Kings, overcoming an 11-point deficit to win 103-96.

Though the two sides have never met, Taoyuan's relationship with B.LEAGUE opposition stretches back to their inaugural EASL season. The Pilots are 3-4 in seven games against Japanese clubs, giving this matchup an added layer of context. The two teams also share a similar identity — full-court press, effective transition play, powerful scoring guards, and versatile bigs that can step out and shoot. On paper, this is as even as it gets.

The champion of Asia will be crowned at Studio City Event Center on Sunday night. Whoever lifts the trophy will have won three games in six days to do it.

‍

‍

THE PILOTS

Taoyuan know exactly what it feels like to be this close. Last season, it came down to the final possession — a strip and score in their own backcourt gave Hiroshima Dragonflies a 72-68 win and broke Taoyuan hearts. They are back, and they want it more because of it.

The size advantage that proved so decisive against Alvark Tokyo will be harder to exploit against Utsunomiya. Will Artino and Alec Brown combined for 44 points and 24 rebounds in the semifinal, but they now face a different challenge in Gavin Edwards and Grant Jerrett — a deeper, more physical frontcourt pairing that won't be as easily dominated.

The offensive engine has been Treveon Graham throughout these playoffs. His ability to attack downhill draws attention and opens up kick-out opportunities, and when he gets deep enough he is more than capable of finishing through contact.

The other key figure is Lu Chun-Hsiang, who has yet to have his breakout postseason game, shooting just 33.3% from the field for 13 points in the semifinal against Alvark. If the Pilots are going to win, they will need him.

‍

‍

THE BREX

What Utsunomiya showed against Ryukyu was character. Down as many as 11 in the fourth quarter against a Golden Kings side playing close to their best, the Brex refused to fold and came away with a 103-96 win. It was the kind of performance that defines a championship team.

The Brex have had a remarkable calendar year. A B.LEAGUE championship, a BCL Asia title, and now a shot at EASL glory — all within the last 12 months.

When Utsunomiya plays its brand of basketball, they are extremely difficult to beat. D.J. Newbill controls the tempo and is coming off a 29-point, 9-assist Player of the Game performance in the semifinals. Makoto Hiejima is a seasoned creator capable of generating his own shot or curling off screens to knock down open jumpers. Grant Jerrett and Gavin Edwards give the Brex versatile scoring options up front. Realistically, Utsunomiya have four reliable scoring threats in their starting five alone. The bench may not be deep — Ryukyu outscored them 35-15 off the bench in the semis — but when the starters are rolling, it rarely matters.