March 7, 2025 — Studio City Event Center, Macau SAR

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The Hiroshima Dragonflies are headed to the championship game after an 81-65 victory over the New Taipei Kings in the first semifinal of the EASL Final Four 2025 at Studio City, Macau.

Import Dwayne Evans III led the way with a game-high 20 points, earning his second EASL Player of the Game honors this season.

Hiroshima will now face the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in the championship game, while the Kings will take on the Ryukyu Golden Kings for third place.

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Post-Game Triple:

Dragonflies’ Second Half Surge

Trailing by one at the half, Hiroshima responded emphatically in the second half, outscoring New Taipei 28-19 in the third quarter.

The Japanese B.LEAGUE champions shot 53% from the field, led by Evans, who scored 10 points in the frame.

The Kings, down eight entering the fourth quarter, couldn’t replicate their late-game heroics from the Group Stage finale against the Meralco Bolts. Instead, they managed just five points in the final frame, sealing a disappointing end to their title hopes.

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Jeremy Lin Returns Off the Bench

Kings star Jeremy Lin played his first game since injuring his right hamstring on Jan. 21 but came off the bench against Hiroshima.

The former NBA guard checked in at the 8:27 mark of the first quarter and scored his first points on a turnaround jumper early in the second.

Lin finished with seven points on 3-of-9 shooting (33%) in just over 17 minutes of play, adding three assists while missing both of his free-throw attempts.

With his minutes limited, it remains to be seen if Lin will play in Sunday’s third-place game against Ryukyu.

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Balanced Effort from Hiroshima

Despite having only 10 active players, Hiroshima got contributions from everyone, with each player logging at least 10 minutes.

Seven Dragonflies players made the scoresheet, four of whom finished in double figures. Evans led all scorers with 20 points, while Kerry Blackshear Jr. added 18 before fouling out. Ryu Watanabe chipped in 16, and captain Toshiki Kamisawa contributed 14.

Hiroshima will need another team effort as they take on the Pilots in Sunday’s championship game.

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EASL Player of the Game: Dwayne Evans III — Hiroshima Dragonflies

Dwayne Evans III was the EASL Player of the Game on Friday after recording his third double-double of the season.

Evans scored a game-high 20 points, and was monstrous on the glass, grabbing a game-high 16 boards in the contest.

He now looks ahead to facing the Pilots, a team he torched for 33 points and 11 rebounds on Christmas Day.

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Stat of the Game: 1-of-16

When the Kings needed buckets most, the team couldn’t buy one.

Trailing by eight entering the fourth quarter, New Taipei went ice cold, shooting just 1-of-16 for 6% from the field in the final frame.

Lin scored the Kings’ only field goal of the quarter, a layup midway through. The team also struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 3-of-6 attempts.

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Quotes of the Game: 

Dwayne Evans III on winning the game: 

“We just had guys fight for 40 minutes. We had so many guys contribute. And as it flows through the game, we kept it together and got the win.”

On going to the Championship Game:

“I’m excited, man. A chance to win the championship is special. We’ve got a great group of guys and I’m excited for Sunday.”

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Next Games:

Hiroshima Dragonflies: Championship Game vs. Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+) - Mar. 9, 2025, in EASL Final Four 2025 at Studio City Macau

New Taipei Kings: Third-Place Game vs. Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE) - Mar. 9, 2025, in EASL Final Four 2025 at Studio City Macau