The bj-league postseason begins on Wednesday as the upstart Shimane Susanoo Magic try to extend their season into May by upsetting the Rizing Fukuoka.
The Magic-Rizing two-game series tips off at 7 p.m. in Kyushu with a compelling storyline: Can coach Zeljko Pavlicevic's squad reverse its fortunes against Fukuoka?
Entering the Western Conference's first-round series, the Rizing, who went 18-6 at home, are 4-0 against the expansion team this season. This includes 77-65 and 96-78 wins on Nov. 18-19 in Fukuoka and 91-73 and 77-73 wins in Shimane Prefecture on April 2-3.