The Akita Northern Happinets dominated the second half against the Iwate Big Bulls, turning a tie game into a convincing victory.

First-year head coach Makoto Hasegawa guided the Northern Happinets to an 84-68 Eastern Conference final victory over the Big Bulls at Ariake Colosseum on Saturday.

After finishing as the title runnerup a year ago, to the Ryukyu Golden Kings, Akita returns to the championship finale — but this time against a different foe.