First-year coach L.J. Hepp has steered the Oita HeatDevils into a solid position through 10 games.
With five wins and five losses in the books, the HeatDevils have plenty of room for improvement. They also have established themselves as a legitimate playoff contender in the wide-open Western Conference.
Oita has displayed tenacity and toughness and the ability to bounce back, going 4-1 in the second game of their first five series.