The Yokohama B-Corsairs issued a challenge to themselves before Sunday's series finale against the Eastern Conference rival Saitama Broncos.
The B-Corsairs repeated that challenge at halftime, when they faced a seven-point deficit at Yokohama International Swimming Pool.
The hosts regrouped in the third quarter, taking head coach Taketo Aoki's message to heart — it's time "to step up," he revealed to reporters after the game — and seized momentum en route to an 83-74 victory.