EASL: Hiroshima becomes 2nd team to qualify for Final Four Spot

The Hiroshima Dragonflies became the second team to qualify in the East Asia Super League's Final Four after defeating the winless San Miguel Beermen, 94-63, at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza on Wednesday night, January 8.

Hiroshima joined their B.League rivals, Ryuku Golden Kings, as the only teams assured of a playoff spot.

The win of the Dragonflies also put the Beermen out of contention in the next round.

Kerry Blackshear Jr. was instrumental to the win as he delivered 12 points, 15 boards, nine assists, and three steals to lead Hiroshima's cause.

Nick Mayo led the Japanese team in scoring with his 18 points. He also added eight rebounds and two assists to his output, while Keijiro Mitani also put up 18 markers with three steals.

On the other hand, SMB import Torren Jones led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo added 12 markers and nine boards.

EASL Final Four 2025, set for March 7-9, will award a $1 million prize to the champion, $500,000 to the runner-up, and $250,000 for third place.

Hiroshima’s qualification means that the two teams confirmed for the Final Four so far both represent the B.LEAGUE.

This is the first time the B.LEAGUE will have two representatives in the Final Four.

Last season, the Chiba Jets were the league’s sole representative and went on to win the 2023-24 EASL championship.

In March, Hiroshima will compete in the EASL Final Four for the first time in franchise history. This season also marks the Dragonflies’ debut in the East Asia Super League, having earned their spot by winning the 2023-24 B.LEAGUE championship.

HIROSHIMA 94 – Mayo 18, Mitani 18, Blackshear 12, Nakamura 11, Yamazaki 11, Watanabe 9, Kawata 7, Roberts 5, Ichikawa 3, Kamisawa 0, Takeuchi 0.

SAN MIGUEL 63 – Jones 24, Fajardo 12, Tiongson 9, Lassiter 4, Tautuaa 4, Ross 3, Perez 3, Teng 2, Cruz 2, Cahilig 0.

Quarter Scores: 30-18; 52-37; 68-51; 94-63.