Emperor's Cup: Sanfrecce Hiroshima vs Sanen Neo Phoenix - Match Report

Thank you for your continued support of Alvark Tokyo.

In the match against Sanen Neo Phoenix held on January 10th (Saturday), we allowed a comeback and continued to believe in ourselves even though it was difficult, and in the final stage, we shut out the opponent’s points with defense with about 2 and a half minutes remaining, and with #75 Kosakabe’s “feeling” attack, we grabbed the ticket to advance to the finals! Many Alvark fans at the venue today continued to fight alongside the team, never giving up even during difficult times. Thank you to everyone who supported us at the venue and sent us their condolences from afar.
The day after tomorrow, we will be on stage for the Emperor’s Cup Final for the second consecutive year. With this team, we will become the best in Japan together with everyone! Thank you for your continued support of the team.

Update history
2026/1/10 This page released
2026/1/11 Comments updated on the day before the finals

101st Emperor’s Cup All Japan Basketball Championship Final Round Semi-finals vs. Sanen Neo Phoenix
Saturday, January 10, 2026 Venue: National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

FINAL score
Alvark Tokyo 80-75 Sanen Neo Phoenix

(1st Q: 23-15, 2Q: 21-20, 3Q: 17-21, 4Q: 19-19)

GAME RECAP

The starters are #3 Taves, #10 Zack, #11 Size, #22 Rossiter, and #75 Kosakabe. In the 1st quarter, they calmly developed their own offense from the start, taking the lead with #10 Zach’s drive, followed by #3 Taves making plays and getting off to a decent start with consecutive points scored by #11 Size. He moves inside and entrusts the ball to #11 size, inviting fouls from the opponent. Even after #11 Size was replaced, #17 Foster scored, and #25 Fukuzawa and #22 Rossiter made consecutive threes. They controlled the opponent’s tempo and finished the first quarter with 15 points conceded. In the 2nd quarter, #10 Zack made consecutive threes and added points from there in a good rhythm, at one point taking a 13-point lead. However, they allowed their opponents to score, mainly from inside, and the deficit narrowed to 4 points, but they recovered in the final stages and entered the first half with a 9 point lead. In the early stages of the 3rd quarter, the team focused on #11 Size, but Sanen #2 Nwaba kept scoring and it was difficult to widen the point difference. #17 Foster added points from a 1-on-1, and at one point the lead became double digits, but in the end they made consecutive threes and went into the final quarter with a 5-point lead. In the 4th quarter, they struggled to make good shots, but they scored 3 points in a row and allowed a comeback with less than 8 and a half minutes remaining. (61-62) #10 Zack’s 3-pointer and #11 size jumper kept them going, but with 6 and a half minutes remaining, the team fouled more than 5 times and was given a bonus free throw, making things difficult. However, from this point on, #17 Foster showed his competitive strength and took another turn. (71-68) With 5 minutes left in the game, they conceded 3 points in a row and were behind by 3 points, and after a fierce rebound battle, they gave the opponent a free throw, but one missed and they were chasing 4 points. (71-75) In the next attack, #75 Kosakabe made a powerful ring attack, defying the defense of the 208cm opponent’s center, resulting in a basket count and a two-point difference. Then, due to the opponent’s violation, it became their own ball, and in the following attack, #75 Kosakabe made good use of the #11 size pick to drive, invade the paint area, and dodge the opponent with a skillful fake to tie the score. (75-75) And this is where Alvark’s true value begins. Despite being unable to commit any team fouls, he blocked the opponent with his signature defense, as if in response to the call of “defense” from Alvark fans in the audience. In the next attack, the ball was passed to #75 Kosakabe again, and #11 Size was picked. At this point, as if he had missed his mark, he chose to reject, and #22 Rossiter put his body on the line and attacked the paint that created the course and scored. The score was 77-75, and everyone defended the remaining minute and a half. #3 Taves sank two bonus free throws, and finally #10 Zach also added one free throw. In the final stages, the spirited defense and the attack of #75 Kosakabu, which contained the spirit of everyone, ignited the fire, and the team, on the court, on the bench, in the audience seats, and in the team, grabbed the victory with 80-75.

▶BOX SCORE ▶PLAY BY PLAY ▶Basket LIVE (missed broadcast)

stats leaders
score

#11 Sebastian Saiz 17pts
#17 Marcus Foster 16pts
#10 Zack Baranski 14pts
#22 Ryan Rossiter 12pts
#75 Small Wine Shop Taihui 9pts

rebound
#22 Ryan Rossiter 11reb
#11 Sebastian Saiz 7reb
#21 Hirayan Xuan6reb

assist

#22 Ryan Rossiter 7ast
#3 Teves Sea 6ast
#25 Kohei Fukuzawa 3ast
#75 Taihui 3ast

Post-match comments

Denius Admaitis HCFrom press conference comments

(Summary of the match/Towards the final) In a game like today, energy really determines the outcome. In particular, the defense and the battle for rebounds will be one of the keys. Also, the desire to make a 50/50 ball their own, something that doesn’t show up in the stats. The big thing was that the players played with great consideration. He read the situation well, chipped the ball well, and took advantage of loose balls in 50-50 situations. Also, the area where the defense shined was the decisive battle in the final stages. Despite being in a corner with only 3 minutes left before the end of the game, they showed a high level of concentration and energy, and in the final 3 minutes, they were able to keep the opponent from scoring and increase the lead to 9-0. I think he has done an incredible job. I think it’s a big win for us. Tactics are of course important on the final stage, but I think the most important thing is to play well and with lots of energy. In a big game like this, the final stage of a one-shot contest, mistakes and turnovers can be fatal. I think mistakes will probably take us away from winning, so we need to take good care of our energy, turnovers, and mistakes. We have earned a ticket to the finals, so we will prepare to compete well there.
(Regarding Kosakabe’s three consecutive attacks in the final stage) I wanted to make sure to use Kosakabe in the decisive moments, but Kosakabe is a player who can attack aggressively, so I thought that if he made touches in the paint, he would definitely score himself or make a play that would lead to a score. Although he wasn’t able to get a dunk in the final finish (lol), he scored it at a really important point. (Everyone laughs)

#22 Ryan RossiterFrom press conference comments

(Summary of the match/heading to the final) As the coach said earlier, I think it was a good game today in terms of content, and I think it was a tight game. Even before this week, we’ve been talking about “fighting throughout the week.” That’s always important to us because Emperor’s Cup matches are always really tough. There’s a lot of emotion involved, and all the players step up their game even more than usual. Therefore, I view the fact that we were able to play this match as a positive. The end of the game was also good. Many big shots like Kosakabe’s were made. However, I think the best thing was the entire team. Even though we were behind by 4 points in the final stages, no one was left in disarray. We all shouted to each other and said, “It’s okay. We were able to confirm with each other, “Let’s stop one thing and score one more.” And I was able to do it. So we have to keep that same concentration in Monday’s game. That’s all for now.

#75 Taihui of the Soup ClubPart of press conference comments/Club interview

(Summary of the game, towards the finals) At the beginning of the first half, the coach told us to play with energy, and we did well, but at the beginning of the second half, we were a little behind the opponent’s physical defense. Throughout the three days of the Emperor’s Cup, this was a point of reflection, so I would like to take advantage of this improvement in the next match. Today, everyone concentrated in the last two minutes and played 50/50 balls, and I think it was because of that kind of concentration that we were able to win the game. In the finals, I lost on this stage last year, so I feel that sense of nervousness, or rather, I was able to get that feeling last year, so I want to win this year.
(-About the 3 consecutive points in the 4th quarter) The feeling of not wanting to lose is amazing. Especially in a match like that, when we were up and coming back, I felt like I really had to play, so I was really excited.
(-You seemed surprisingly calm after Taves ran up to you?) (Laughs) At that time, I wanted to be happy, but I was so tired and out of breath that I felt like I couldn’t even be happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such long playing time, but I feel like I have to play for those who can’t play. Even if I get tired and have to be substituted, I believe that no matter who comes on, I can still play, so as long as I’m on the field, I have to take responsibility. We have to think about fouls and the like, but we try to do our best, play by play, and even if we stumble, I trust Hooky (Fukuzawa) and the players who come later.
(Did you feel the never-give-up energy from the players on the court and the fans in the audience?) That’s right! We haven’t given up at all, and hearing the voices of our fans who support us has really given us strength.

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PHOTO Gallery

NEXT GAME

1/12 (Monday/holiday) Final match against Seahorse Mikawa Comments from the day before Updated on 1/11 (Sunday)

Denius Admaitis HC

– What are the strengths of the team that has made it this far in this tournament?
“I think it’s the team mentality, and I think that’s the most important thing. Everyone steps up and doesn’t make excuses in any situation. Even with difficult rotations, everyone is putting in an incredible effort. I think maintaining that mentality, that winning mentality, is the most important thing.”

– Important things in the tournament finals
“The most important thing in these short-term tournaments and knockout formats is actually the simple things. Don’t give the opponent ‘easy points’ and energy. It’s all about these two things. It’s not about tactical details. Transitions, points conceded from turnovers, second-chance points, easy points conceded in 1-on-1s, how to respond to cuts – how much you can control the points you give up easily like that. Also, how much energy you can give out is important.”

-About the final opponent, Seahorse Mikawa
“Our opponent is playing very well in this cup match. The first thing is to forget our past results, where we have won two league matches against them. If we get dragged down by that, we will lose sight of ourselves. The important thing is to focus on defense and offense, play by play. Our opponent has players like Ishii and Kennedy who will lift the team, and they are the X-factor in this tournament. But that’s why we have to focus on what we need to do, not on the opponent. That’s all.”

#3 Umi Teves

– What are the strengths of the team that has made it this far in this tournament?
“Our biggest strength is our patience or tenacity. No matter how the flow of the game goes, we are still able to fight as a team until the very end. This is the strength of this team right now. Zack, Fuku-chan, and Gen, who usually have limited playing time in the B League, are seizing opportunities on this big stage. It’s reassuring to see them producing results and supporting the team. I think the presence of these players is what supports the current team.”

-I can feel the mentality of the entire team to not get caught up in last year and instead go for the win that is right in front of them.
“That’s right. To be honest, I don’t want the word ‘revenge’ to be used. The team situation and members are completely different from last year, and it’s not even a match between the same teams. What’s important is not the past, but the challenge of the match in front of us now. I don’t think there’s any need to drag on from last year.”

-This tournament is being held right after your return from injury.
“After leaving the team due to injury and watching Alvark’s basketball from the outside for a long time, I was able to see very clearly what was really lacking.In a game, there are always some points that greatly change the flow of the game. I think it’s important to discern that first. That ability to discern comes from experience, and what’s more, the ability to create and execute plays based on identifying the key points is something that I felt strongly about from watching from the outside.”

-About the final opponent, Seahorse Mikawa
“Mikawa has also made it this far with their really slow play. Of course they have explosive power, but more than that, they have shown their strength with the 50/50 ball and tenacity. That’s why we want to not lose and prove that we are better in terms of patience.”

-Message to fans for tomorrow
“Of course, the reality is that Alvark hasn’t won the championship in recent years, and I think there are times when I think about the past, but the most important thing is to concentrate on the match in front of me.The fans, too, have the same desire as the players to win tomorrow’s match, because they haven’t won in a long time. But that’s why I believe that making a full bet in the 40 minutes of this match and giving it our all will lead to the best result.If you can cheer us on at the venue tomorrow, it will give us strength, and if you’re watching through the screen, please lend us your support.”

#10 Zack Baranski

– What are the strengths of the team that has made it this far in this tournament?
“I think it’s the power of ‘WE’. There are a lot of injuries and the number of players who can play is limited, but each and every one of them is doing their best and everyone is covering for each other. It’s not just the players on the court. It’s the players who can’t play, the staff, the cheerleaders, Luke, Alcars. Everyone is fighting as one. That sense of unity is the strength of the current team, and it’s the power of ‘WE’.”

-About the final opponent, Seahorse Mikawa
“Right now, my opponent seems to have a lot of momentum, and although they are missing one foreign player (due to regulations), I think they have almost a full roster. They also have a player with a strong presence like Kennedy, and a Japanese big man named Avi. They have a good lineup of shooters and a strong guard team, so I think they are the perfect opponent for this final match.The key is how well they can play the ball for 40 minutes. Who will catch the wave first, and who will not allow the opponent to take advantage of it? Because it’s the final, it’s the loose balls, rebounds, and defensive stops that will determine the difference between victory and defeat. It’s not about tactics, it’s about who has the stronger desire to win, and who can catch each loose ball.I think the outcome will be determined by the accumulation of small details, and we’ll definitely go into this situation with the mindset that we don’t want to lose.”

-There were a lot of tough times in this tournament, but I could feel the spirit of never giving up from the court, from the bench, and from the fans.
“If we give up, the match is over. Up until now, every match has been in the morning, and in each match we have been supported by the support of so many Alcars fans. In front of the people who come to the venue and those who support us, all we can do is give it our all until the end. We want to give it our all for 40 minutes in the final. Even if it goes into overtime, we want to leave everything on the court, including those five or 10 minutes.”

#17 Marcus Foster

– Regarding participation in the finals of short-term tournaments
“I have played in tournaments in my career, but I have only ever advanced to the semi-finals. So I am really happy that I made it to the finals. The most important thing is to play with all your might and do your best. I think the most important thing is to give your all so you don’t have any regrets.”

– Even though the regulations are different, we are adjusting to them.
“I’ve tried to play a little more aggressively on offense. Our team is small, and the number of players who can play is limited right now, and I understand that I won’t be able to play as long as I did in the B League. That’s why I’m doing it because I think it’s important to be aggressive during the time I’m on the court, have confidence in my play, aim for points, and support the team on defense.

-About the final opponent, Seahorse Mikawa
“We can’t get too caught up in the results of the match two weeks ago. We need to focus on the task in front of us and realize how well they’re doing. So it’s important to prevent shots from spot-ups, contain Gardner as much as possible and show the same energy we’ve shown in the last three games. They’re a very dangerous team, so we need to stay focused for 40 minutes.”

– Important things in the tournament finals
“In a match like this, some teams are expected to win, but there’s no need to think about that. The opponent will come with the same strong desire to win, and in the end, this is just one match. That’s why it’s important for me to continue to play as the same player as I have throughout this tournament. Rather than expecting to play a great match like I did in the past, I will respond while watching the flow of this match.”

101st Emperor’s Cup All Japan Basketball Championship Final Round Final

schedule

January 12, 2026 (Monthly Blessing) 15:00 TIPOFF

opponent

Seahorse Mikawa

place

National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium

bench / uniform

HOME side (right side facing table officials) / light color (white)

ticket
https://zennihon2025-26.japanbasketball.jp/ticket/fin-m/

broadcast

Live broadcast on NHK E-Tele