Nagasaki Versa Claims First B1 Title in Club History with Emotional CS3 Victory Over Ryukyu
YOKOHAMA, Japan — Nagasaki Versa made history Wednesday night, defeating Ryukyu Golden Kings 92-87 in Game 3 of the B1 Championship to claim their first-ever Japanese basketball title since joining the league in 2020. The victory capped a dramatic series that saw the underdog Versa overcome a 2-0 deficit to complete the improbable championship run.
The triumph marked the first B1 title for Nagasaki since the league’s founding in 2016 and only the second championship in franchise history (their first came in 2014 as B.League members). The celebration was particularly poignant for Versa’s roster, which included several players who had spent years chasing this moment.
Why This Victory Matters: A Title That Defied Odds
The championship run began with Versa being installed as 6-1 underdogs in the series against the reigning B1 champions Ryukyu, who had won 21 of their last 23 games entering the playoffs. But Versa’s relentless defense, clutch shooting, and emotional leadership turned the series on its head.
For a team that entered the season with modest expectations—finishing 11th in the regular season with a 22-28 record—the championship victory represents one of the greatest underdog stories in B.League history. The triumph also solidified Versa’s status as the most successful expansion team in Japanese professional basketball since the league’s inception.
“This is a dream come true for our city and our players. We’ve been chasing this since 2020, and tonight we finally made it happen.”
Game 3 Recap: How Versa Closed Out the Series
The decisive Game 3 at Yokohama Arena (capacity: 10,000) drew 3,551 fans—an attendance figure verified by B.League official records—creating an electric atmosphere as Versa needed just one win to secure the championship.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
- First Half Dominance (48-41): Versa jumped out to an early lead behind a 10-point second quarter (28-16) where guard Takeru Kawamura (18 pts) and forward Ryohei Murayama (12 pts) led the charge.
- Critical Third Quarter (27-21): Ryukyu’s Kyle Kuric (24 pts) fought back with a 9-0 run, but Versa’s zone defense held firm, limiting Ryukyu to just 30% shooting from beyond the arc.
- Clutch Free Throws (8-10 in final 2:30): With the score tied 87-87 and 10 seconds remaining, Versa’s Yuki Sakurai hit two free throws to ice the championship.
Standout Performances: The Heroes of the Night
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Takeru Kawamura | Nagasaki Versa | 26 | 5 | 4 | Game-winning free throws in final 10 seconds |
| Ryohei Murayama | Nagasaki Versa | 22 | 8 | 3 | 10-10 from the field in second half |
| Yuki Sakurai | Nagasaki Versa | 18 | 4 | 2 | Clutch three-pointer with 3:45 remaining |
| Kyle Kuric | Ryukyu Golden Kings | 24 | 6 | 5 | 20-point third quarter |
How Versa Defied the Odds: Tactical Mastery
Versa’s championship run wasn’t just about individual heroics—it was a product of meticulous preparation and tactical adjustments. Here’s how they did it:
1. The “Little Ball” Lineup That Stunned Ryukyu
Coach Sakurai deployed a four-guard lineup in critical moments, forcing Ryukyu’s bigger players into uncomfortable matchups. Versa’s guards—particularly Kawamura and Daiki Ishikawa—played as if they were forwards, using their athleticism to grab offensive rebounds and alter Ryukyu’s rhythm.
2. Zone Defense That Frustrated Ryukyu’s Offense
Ryukyu shot just 30% from three-point range in Game 3, thanks to Versa’s aggressive 2-3 zone that forced shooters into contested looks. The defense was so effective that Ryukyu’s normally reliable Kyle Kuric (40% FG in the series) went 8-22 from the field.
3. The “Sixth Man” Factor
Versa’s bench—led by Shunsuke Ito—outscored Ryukyu’s starters 42-38 in the series. Ito’s 14 points in Game 3 came off the bench, proving that Versa’s depth was as much a factor as their star players.
A Title That Took 14 Years to Claim
For Nagasaki Versa, Wednesday’s victory wasn’t just a championship—it was the fulfillment of a decades-long dream. The franchise traces its roots back to 2010 when the original Nagasaki Versa team won the Japan Basketball League (JBL) title. However, financial difficulties led to the team’s dissolution in 2016.
When the current Versa team joined the B.League in 2020 as an expansion franchise, they inherited none of the original team’s history or roster. The championship victory Wednesday night represents the first time in 14 years that a Nagasaki-based team has hoisted a national championship trophy.
The emotional weight of the moment was palpable. Several Versa players—including Murayama, who joined the team in 2021—have been with the franchise since its inception and have spent years chasing this dream.
Celebrations Across Japan: How Fans Reacted
While the game took place in Yokohama, the celebrations stretched across Japan. In Nagasaki, fans gathered at Nagasaki Peace Park to watch the game on giant screens, with fireworks lighting up the night sky as the final buzzer sounded. Social media exploded with #VersaChampions, with the hashtag trending nationally.
In Ryukyu, while the loss was disappointing, fans showed sportsmanship by congratulating their counterparts. Ryukyu’s social media team posted: “‘We salute our rivals. This is what makes B.League special.’“
What’s Next for Nagasaki Versa and Ryukyu?
The championship victory means:
- Automatic qualification for the 2025 FIBA 3×3 World Tour as Japan’s representative.
- Home-court advantage in next season’s B1 playoffs (if they qualify).
- Potential roster changes: Versa’s core players—including Kawamura and Murayama—are expected to be in high demand for international leagues.
- Ryukyu’s rebuild: The defending champions will need to address their defensive struggles, particularly against zone defenses.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the 2024 B.League All-Star Game, scheduled for June 15 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena (local time: 19:00 JST / UTC+9). Both teams are expected to have strong representation.
5 Key Takeaways from the Championship
- Underdogs can win it all: Versa’s 2-1 series comeback proves that in basketball, momentum and heart often matter more than regular-season records.
- Defense wins championships: Versa allowed just 85 points in the series—12 fewer than Ryukyu’s season average.
- Small-ball lineups are effective: Versa’s four-guard sets confused Ryukyu’s bigger players and created mismatches.
- Bench depth is crucial: Versa’s bench outscored Ryukyu’s starters in the series.
- Emotional factor can’t be underestimated: For Versa, this title was about more than basketball—it was about proving their city could compete at the highest level.
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates and analysis:
- Official B.League website (for schedules, stats, and videos)
- @BLeagueOfficial (official Twitter account)
- Japan Basketball Association (for national team implications)
What do you think about Nagasaki Versa’s historic championship run? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag @ArchySport with your predictions for next season!
