The defending champion Yokohama B-Corsairs failed to qualify for the bj-league playoffs, ensuring that a new finalist from the Eastern Conference will step onto the court on May 25 at Ariake Colosseum with a shot at winning the league’s ninth title.
But first things first.
Six East teams qualified for the postseason, including the regular-season champion and top-seeded Toyama Grouses (42-10, triumphant in 11 straight games to end the regular season) and the second-seeded Iwate Big Bulls (40-12, winner of 12 straight games). Both squads earn a bye week and a home series next weekend in the playoff semifinals.