With just three games remaining in the B1 League regular season, the playoff picture has come into sharp focus. Eight clubs have officially secured their spots in the championship series, leaving only seeding and matchups to be decided in the final stretch.
The most significant development came on April 25, when the Utsunomiya Brex defeated the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 87–69 in Game 1 of their B1 League Season 35 showdown at IG Arena. The victory not only strengthened Utsunomiya’s position in the Eastern Conference but also confirmed Nagasaki Velca as the first-ever Western Conference champions, marking their inaugural playoff appearance in franchise history.
According to verified game reports, Utsunomiya jumped out to an early lead thanks to a fast-break basket by D.J. Newbill. Shinji Takashima’s three-pointer and Gavin Edwards’ put-back scores helped the Brex build momentum, leading 36–30 at halftime despite a resilient effort from Nagoya, who played without their usual foreign big men.
The second half belonged to Utsunomiya. Immediately after the break, Ryota Hiejima ignited a scoring burst with consecutive three-pointers and drives to the basket. Grant Jerrett added inside presence, and the Brex steadily widened their lead. By the fourth quarter, dunks from Takashima and Edwards underscored the dominance, and Utsunomiya cleared their bench, with every rostered player seeing game time in the convincing win.
Individually, Jerrett led Utsunomiya with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Edwards contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks. Hiejima scored 16 points, and Takashima added 10, giving Utsunomiya four double-digit scorers. Newbill finished with eight points, six rebounds, and six assists.
For Nagoya, Aaron Henry played 38:30 and recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Takumi Saito added 12 points and five assists, and Kyle Richardson contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Although Nagoya out-rebounded Utsunomiya on the offensive glass, their field goal percentage struggled at just 32%, a key factor in the loss.
With this result, the Eastern Conference playoff order is beginning to crystallize. Utsunomiya, along with Chiba Jets, has already clinched a postseason berth, while Alvark Tokyo and San-en NeoPhoenix remain in contention for the final two spots. In the West, Nagasaki’s historic division title guarantees them a top seed, joining Shimane Susanoo Magic, Kyoto Hannaryz, and Kawasaki Brave Thunders as the other qualified Western clubs.
At this stage, with three games left for most teams, analysts project a potential Eastern Conference semifinal matchup between Utsunomiya and Chiba, assuming both hold their current positions. In the West, Nagasaki would likely face the winner of a 4–5 series between Shimane and Kyoto, depending on final standings.
these pairings remain provisional. A single game can shift seeding in the tightly packed B1 League, where only a few games separate several teams in both conferences. The league has not yet released official bracket projections, and all matchups are subject to change based on final regular-season results.
For Nagasaki, the achievement represents a milestone. As expansion entrants just a few seasons ago, winning the Western Conference in their first eligible season underscores rapid organizational growth. Their success reflects strong player development, strategic acquisitions, and consistent coaching — factors that have allowed them to compete immediately at the highest level.
Looking ahead, the final three games of the regular season will serve as de facto playoff previews for several clubs. Teams on the bubble will fight for positioning, while those already qualified may utilize the rest to refine rotations and player health.
The B1 League championship series is set to begin shortly after the regular season concludes, with the exact start date to be confirmed by the league office. Fans can follow official updates through the B.League’s website and team channels for real-time standings, injury reports, and schedule announcements.
As the race intensifies, one thing is clear: the 2025–26 B1 League playoffs will feature a mix of established contenders and historic first-timers, setting the stage for a compelling postseason.
What are your thoughts on the emerging playoff matchups? Share your predictions in the comments below and join the conversation.
