Hiroshima Becomes 2nd Team to Secure Final 4 Spot

The Hiroshima Dragonflies have become the second team to secure a spot in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four, joining B.LEAGUE rivals, the Ryukyu Golden Kings. With a 94-63 Group A victory over the winless San Miguel Beermen, Hiroshima is officially locked into the postseason with one regular-season game remaining on Jan. 22.

‍

Hiroshima maintained a comfortable lead throughout their game against San Miguel. At halftime, the Dragonflies were ahead 52-37 and never let up, securing a decisive victory. Kerry Blackshear Jr. was named EASL Player of the Game, registering a near-triple-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. The Dragonflies' balanced attack featured five players scoring in double figures, including standout performances from Nick Mayo and Keijiro Mitani, who combined for 36 points.

‍

In their inaugural EASL season, fresh off winning the 2023-24 B.LEAGUE championship, the Dragonflies started strong with back-to-back wins over Hong Kong Eastern to go 2-0. Blackshear Jr., was named EASL October Player of the Month for his stellar performances.

‍

Hiroshima faced a setback in early December with a narrow 80-78 loss to Suwon KT Sonicboom but bounced back with a crucial win over then-Group A leaders, the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, to reclaim the top spot. With this victory, the Dragonflies are now Final Four-bound.

‍

The EASL Final Four, scheduled for March 7-9, will award $1 million to the champion, $500,000 to the runner-up, and $250,000 for third place. Hiroshima’s qualification ensures two B.LEAGUE teams in the Final Four for the first time, a feat not achieved last season when the Chiba Jets were the league’s sole representative and eventual champions.