Macau – Utsunomiya Brex forward Atsuya Ogawa says he’s feeling sharp as his team prepares for a crucial quarterfinal matchup against the Recent Taipei Kings in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Finals, currently being held in Macau. A win on Monday would set up an intriguing all-Japanese semifinal against the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
Ogawa spoke to the media on Sunday, roughly 50 hours after Utsunomiya secured a victory over the Shiga Lakes in Japan’s B1 League. The team arrived in Macau following the game and held an official practice session, with a portion open to the press. Reports indicated a focused practice, with players pushing through drills and shooting practice.
The EASL quarterfinal is scheduled for 8:30 PM Japan Standard Time on March 18th. The quick turnaround – playing a high-stakes game just two days after a domestic league contest – presents a challenge, but the 23-year-old Ogawa appears unfazed. “I think it’s also because I’m young,” he said, “but I’d rather have more games. I enjoy playing and it’s a good opportunity to gain experience, so I think I’m feeling really good.”
The tournament is taking place in Macau, a globally recognized tourist destination known for its vibrant casinos and resorts. While acknowledging a slight sense of excitement from the surroundings, Ogawa emphasized the importance of maintaining his routine. “I’m trying to live as similarly as possible to how I do in Japan – eating the same foods, getting the same amount of sleep, and sticking to my usual routines,” he explained.
［Photo］= Basketball King
For Utsunomiya, this game represents a significant step towards their first EASL championship. For Ogawa, it’s a valuable opportunity for personal growth. He expressed his pride in representing his country on an international stage. “As a player, I’m proud to be able to compete against players from various countries through basketball,” Ogawa stated. “I’m aiming to represent Japan in the national team, so gaining international experience is incredibly important for my development as a player. I’m grateful for the opportunity and eager to capture on the challenge.”
A victory over the New Taipei Kings would propel Utsunomiya into a semifinal showdown against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, who topped Group B. This would create an all-B.League semifinal, raising the stakes and generating significant excitement among Japanese basketball fans. The game will be broadcast live on U-NEXT.
Atsuya Ogawa, born June 24, 2002, currently plays as a point guard for the Utsunomiya Brex in the B.League. He attended Tsukuba University. According to team statistics as of March 15, 2026, Ogawa has appeared in 26 games this season, averaging 5.2 points, 1.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game. He has shot 36.2% from the field and 20.7% from three-point range.
In his most recent games, Ogawa recorded 8 points against the Shiga Lakes on March 15th, 11 points on March 14th against Shiga, and 4 points against the Ibaraki Robots on March 11th. He also represented Japan at the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup and the 2023 FISU World University Games.
The potential for a Japanese showdown in the EASL semifinals underscores the growing strength of basketball in Japan. The Brex and the Golden Kings are both aiming to turn into the first B.League team to win the EASL title, and a matchup between the two would be a landmark moment for the league.
Fans can watch the Utsunomiya Brex take on the New Taipei Kings on March 18th at 8:30 PM JST on U-NEXT. The winner will advance to face the Ryukyu Golden Kings on March 20th.
