Nagasaki wins first B Basketball League title after beating Ryukyu in decision

Nagasaki won his first championship in Liga B from Basquete by defeating Ryukyu in the third match of the finals, in a match played on Yokohama Arena. The victory marked a historic feat for the club founded in 2020, which reached the top in its third season in the B1 division, after being promoted in the 2023-2024 season.

The team won with a margin of 8 points in a balanced game. Yuta Baba was a central figure in the campaign, playing both in attack and defense, despite committing his fourth foul in the third quarter and temporarily leaving the court.

Trajetória to the title

Nagasaki started the finals series in a challenging way. No Jogo 1, held on the 23rd, lost 71-69 to an opponent who had reached the final for 5 consecutive seasons. The defeat left the team on the brink of elimination, as any further setback would eliminate the club from contention for the championship.

No Jogo 2, played on the 24th, Nagasaki won 66-60 and forced the decision. The victory kept alive the hopes of winning the first title after years of construction of the project. With one victory and one defeat each, the teams reached Jogo 3 on equal terms, in a unique match that would define the champion.

Decisão on Jogo 3

The decisive match went in the opposite direction to what Ryukyu expected in the first moments. Nagasaki started well, with Yuta Baba hitting a basket early in the first quarter, at 2 minutes and 10 seconds, when the score was 2-2. The point put the team ahead and created psychological momentum.

Nagasaki’s defense was solid under the basket, preventing Ryukyu from scoring with ease from long range. The control continued in the second quarter, and Nagasaki went into the break with a 13-point lead.

The scenario changed in the third quarter. Quando had 4 minutes and 52 seconds left in the period, Baba committed his fourth personal foul and had to leave the court. The absence of the main playmaker opened space for Ryukyu to start a strong reaction.

In the last quarter, the opponent began a sequence of consecutive points that brought the score dangerously close. Porém, Baba returned to the court and sealed the victory with a decisive three-pointer. Nos made final moves, converted two free throws and even managed to steal the ball from the opponent, guaranteeing possession in the final moments.

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Atuação from Yuta Baba

Yuta Baba led Nagasaki’s offensive and defensive campaign throughout the match. Apesar faced difficulties caused by fouls, his return to the game was essential for maintaining the advantage and winning the title.

In an interview after the match, Baba gave an ironic smile when commenting on the fouls committed. Mesmo thus expressed gratitude to his teammates: “I caused some problems for the team this time, but Yamaguchi and Hoshikawa did a great job in this final stage.”

The player also highlighted the importance of the team’s young players: “The young players who play in a similar position to mine made space for me, and I am very grateful.”

Contexto history

Esta was the last final of the current Liga B structure. Starting next season, Liga B Premier will begin, marking the end of a competition format.

Nagasaki Velca has followed a growth trajectory since its founding:

• 2021-2022: participation in Liga B3
• 2022-2023: dispute in Liga B2
• 2023-2024: promotion to Liga B1
• 2024-2025: Liga B1 championship

The club’s name derives from three concepts: Bem-welcoming, Comunidade welcoming and Vitória. Administrado for Japanet Group, the team is based in Nagasaki, province of Nagasaki, and uses Nagasaki City Happiness Arena, opened in 2024. The achievement marks the beginning of a new era for the club after just 4 years of foundation.