The Chiba Jets Funabashi soared to great heights during the regular season.
But the East Division champions had higher aspirations all along, and the team's third straight Emperor's Cup title in January provided the biggest hint of all.
The Jets, the 2017-18 title runners-up, ascended one step closer to their ultimate target on Sunday, defeating the Tochigi Brex 88-83 in Game 2 of the East rivals' B. League Championship semifinal series at Funabashi Arena.