Where: Taoyuan Arena, Taoyuan City

When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 7:10 P.M. HKT
Group: Group C
Team Records: Taoyuan Pauian Pilots  (1–0) / Ryukyu Golden Kings (0–0)

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THE RUNDOWN

Two new squads with sights set on the EASL title make their debuts, as The Ryukyu Golden Kings squad up against a familiar foe in the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on October 28 at the Taoyuan Arena.

This will be the fourth matchup between these two squads, in a shared history that has spanned over a year. The Pilots lead the Golden Kings 2-1 in their head to head matchup. With both teams defined by making deep playoff runs, the results of this EASL rivalry may have long term ramifications. Who takes the dub in Taoyuan City?

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TAOYUAN PAUIAN PILOTS

Runners up in the ’25-26 EASL season, the Pilots are looking to improve and break the stranglehold that Japan has had on the championships thus far.

Though Will Artino has already departed the team, the Pilots return majority of the core that has made them so dangerous in the EASL. Lu Chun-Hsiang is looking to continue to extend his hold on the EASL All-Time Leading Scorer among locals while also chasing Jameel Warney for the overall All-Time Scoring Record.

Lu will get extensive support from their defensive-minded import Alec Brown, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year of the EASL, as well as it’s All-Time Blocks Leader. Look for Li Chia-Kang to also improve on his stellar play last season, when he won EASL Sixth Man of the Year.

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RYUKYU GOLDEN KINGS

The Golden Kings have improved on their EASL finish in each of the four seasons they’ve played in the EASL. Will that trend continue with last season’s third place finish now leading to a championship game?

It wouldn’t be a major surprise, as the Golden Kings have loaded up this season, returning team vets and adding some new blood. Ryukyu still employs the services of the relentless Jack Cooley, EASL’s All-Time leader in rebounds and second chance points. The EASL active leader in minutes played as well, Cooley will provide the grit and determination that can electrify his teammates.

The Golden Kings will also have it’s team leaders in scoring available, as Masahiro Waki and David Nwaba join the fray. Nwaba, a six-year veteran in the NBA will look to carry the scoring for his team.

The spotlight will also shine on new acquisition Kiefer Ravena, who made the move to the Golden Kings coming from the Yokohama B-Corsairs. One of the steadiest Asian Imports in the B.LEAGUE, Ravena can impact the game on both ends of the floor.

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SPOTLIGHT STORYLINE: No Love Lost Between These Two teams

Let’s reset the rivalry record:

 The Pilots have had the Golden Kings’ number in their first two matchups- the 2025 Finals Semifinals, and then again in the 2025 Tipoff Game. Ryukyu would finally get their get-back in February 2026 at home in Okinawa. These are two teams that definitely have championship aspirations, and they are aware that the road to the EASL Championship will go through each other at one point. Will the Golden Kings tie up the head to head matchup, or will the Pilots soar to their first win of the season at the hands of their rivals?