Hiroshima Qualifies for Final 4, Handles San Miguel 94-63

The Hiroshima Dragonflies secured their place in the 2025 East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four with a decisive 94-63 victory over the visiting San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday. Their path to the postseason was simplified by Hong Kong Eastern’s win the previous day, leaving Hiroshima with a straightforward task: win the game — and they delivered.

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The Dragonflies asserted their dominance from the opening tip, building a commanding 52-37 lead by halftime. Hiroshima maintained its intensity through the final buzzer, holding San Miguel to just 12 points in the fourth quarter, the Beermen’s lowest-scoring period of the game. With this win, Hiroshima locked in a postseason berth, while San Miguel’s defeat dropped the PBA powerhouse to 0-4 and officially eliminated them from playoff contention.

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Post-game Triple

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Onto The Final 4 

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In its inaugural season in the East Asia Super League (EASL), the Hiroshima Dragonflies have secured a spot in the Final Four. With one regular-season game remaining, the reigning B.LEAGUE champions are guaranteed more EASL action. 

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Despite their impressive 4-1 record, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Hiroshima opened the season strong, defeating Hong Kong Eastern in back-to-back games with a combined margin of victory of 24 points. However, their win streak ended on Dec. 4, when they suffered a surprising 80-78 loss to the Korean Basketball League’s (KBL) Suwon KT Sonicboom on the road.

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The team faced further adversity on Christmas Day, tasked with rebounding against the previously undefeated Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, who had led Group A. Rising to the occasion, the Dragonflies delivered a commanding 84-73 victory, powered by a standout 33-point performance from import Dwayne Evans II.

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After their victory over San Miguel, Hiroshima will conclude the regular season on Jan. 22 in a rematch against Taoyuan, with their sights set on the EASL’s $1 million prize in March.

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San Miguel Eliminated 

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San Miguel entered Hiroshima Sun Plaza on Wednesday in a difficult position. The Beermen were on a three-game losing streak and faced the challenge of taking on Group A leaders while occupying last place in the standings.

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From the opening tip, it was clear San Miguel struggled against Hiroshima’s high-octane offense and disciplined defense. The Dragonflies held the Beermen to just 18 points in the first quarter and ultimately handed them their second-lowest scoring output of the season. Only two San Miguel players, June Mar Fajardo and import Torren Jones, managed to score in double figures.

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With two regular-season games remaining, San Miguel is now officially out of Final Four contention. Their remaining role in group-stage play will be to act as spoilers against teams competing for the second Final Four spot. 

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Everybody Eats 

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Hiroshima delivered one of its most well-rounded performances of the season in its win over the San Miguel Beermen. All five Dragonflies starters scored in double figures, with Keijiro Mitani and Nick Mayo leading the way with 18 points each.

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Ryo Yamazaki and Takuto Nakamura contributed 11 points apiece, while star import Kerry Blackshear Jr. also added 12 points in a near triple-double effort.

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As a team, Hiroshima shot an efficient 45.5% from the field, with all five double-digit scorers achieving individual shooting percentages above 50%. The Dragonflies also recorded a season-high 33 assists, a significant improvement from their previous best of 19, set in a Dec. 4 loss. Additionally, they tallied 31 fast-break points, capitalizing on 17 turnovers forced against San Miguel.

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EASL Player of the Game: Kerry Blackshear Jr. — Hiroshima Dragonflies 

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Kerry Blackshear Jr. continued his outstanding debut season in the EASL, earning his third Player of the Game award after a standout performance. The former EASL October Player of the Month recorded 12 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, playing a key role in Hiroshima’s fourth league victory of the 2024-25 season.

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Defensively, Blackshear excelled in his matchup against eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, holding him to 12 points. On offense, the 6-foot-8 forward was highly effective in the pick-and-roll, creating quality scoring opportunities for his teammates and finishing with a few emphatic dunks of his own.

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Stat of the Game: 14 

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Hiroshima exploited San Miguel’s defensive strategy of daring them to shoot, knocking down a season-high 14 three-pointers in their dominant, Final Four-clinching victory on Wednesday.

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Nick Mayo led the way with a game-high four triples, while Ryo Yamazaki and Keijiro Mitani each contributed three. Ryu Watanabe provided an additional boost, sinking two more from beyond the arc. Although the Dragonflies have posted higher three-point shooting percentages in previous games, their accuracy on the night helped them establish an early lead and maintain control throughout.

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Many of Hiroshima’s open looks came from San Miguel defenders choosing to go under screens, leaving shooters unguarded. Additionally, drives into the paint often forced help defense near the basket, creating opportunities to kick the ball out to the corners for uncontested three-point attempts.

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Next Games:

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Hiroshima Dragonflies 

• Home vs. Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+) — Jan. 22, 2025 

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San Miguel Beermen 

• Home vs. Hong Kong Eastern (Hong Kong SAR) — Jan. 15, 2025