Toyama Grouses defeated Utsunomiya Brex 77-67 in a B.League Premier fixture on October 3, 2026, at the YKK AP Arena, securing their first victory against Utsunomiya since March 24, 2021.
Toyama Ends Four-Year Skid Against Utsunomiya
The Grouses put together a 23-12 third-quarter run to erase a halftime deficit and secure a 77-67 win over Utsunomiya Brex in the B.League Premier home opener. Dalrel Willis Jr. paced Toyama with 27 points and 10 rebounds to notch a double-double at the newly renovated YKK AP Arena.
Toyama started Yusei Okada, Brian Angola, Daichi Kuzuhara, Dalrel Willis Jr., and Amir Simms. Utsunomiya countered with Trey Kell, Atsuya Ogawa, Shinji Takashima, Gavin Edwards, and Isaac Fotu in the opening five.
Third-Quarter Defense Turns the Tide
Utsunomiya held a 42-39 advantage at halftime after Kell scored 11 points in the first quarter and the visitors traded blow-for-blow through the second frame. The momentum shifted immediately after the break as Toyama clamped down on defense.
Angola and Sardi Ravena—who contributed 11 points off the bench in the opening period—sparked the perimeter attack before Willis converted inside to seize the lead. Toyama outscored Utsunomiya 23-12 in the third quarter to build a 62-54 cushion.
Simms and Angola anchored the defensive glass down the stretch, limiting Utsunomiya to 13 points in the final period to seal the 77-67 decision.
Standout Statistics from the Opening Clash
Willis finished with his 27-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead all scorers. Ravena added 19 points off the bench, while Angola stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals.
For Utsunomiya, Kell recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds, Fotu added 13 points, and Yusuke Endo chipped in 10. The visitors struggled to find offensive rhythm after halftime, allowing Toyama to dictate the tempo.
Ravena Credits Defensive Intensity for Win over Utsunomiya
Reflecting on the physical contest, Ravena emphasized the team's defensive intensity. “It was a tough game,” Ravena said after the win. “Knowing Utsunomiya is a strong team with championship experience in the B.League, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. The momentum shifted back and forth, and the result was in doubt until the very end.”
Ravena pointed to defensive execution as the decisive factor. “We won the battle on defense and on the glass. Utsunomiya is experienced, and we know they will bounce back tomorrow. We cannot celebrate too much; we need to reset and get ready for the next game.”
Next Game Schedule
Toyama Grouses meet Utsunomiya Brex again at the YKK AP Arena for the second game of their series.
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