bj League Western Conference Finals　 - 2012/05/19

Ryukyu Golden Kings - 79 vs Kyoto Hannaryz - 74 At Ariake-Tokyo May 19th, 2012

The Kings were the only undefeated team that was in the playoffs entering Saturday’s game against Kyoto and they were looking to keep that record intact and that they did with a 79-74 victory over the Kyoto Hannaryz. The Kings defense was outstanding in the first half, limiting Kyoto to 12 & 14 points in the 1st & 2nd quarters. Kyoto came out in the 3rd quarter trying to claw their way back into the game but the Kings withstood each run Kyoto had with a run of their own to never let them seize control of the game. The Kings led the entire game, from the opening tip off to the final buzzer. They were led by Palmer (17pts), McHenry (16pts), Namizato (11pts), Yamauchi & Newton (10pts apiece). With this victory, the Kings secured the final spot for the BJ League Championship and will face the Hamamatsu Phoenix, who defeated the Yokohama B-Corsairs earlier in the day. The Championship game will be available for viewing on BS Fuji TV and Internet BJTV. Watch the Kings as they go for the 2nd championship in their 5 year existence. You can also check the Kings Nation Facebook page for locations that will be showing the game for members of Kings Nation. Congratulations to the Ryukyu Golden Kings & Kings Nation for advancing to the Finals. Go Kings!!!

PREVIEW: 2011-2012 bj League Western Conference Finals - 2012/05/17

Ryukyu Golden Kings vs. Kyoto Hannaryz

Ariake, Tokyo
May 19th 2012

After this past weekend sweep of the Shiga Lake Stars, the Kings resume their quest for their 2nd BJ League Championship in their 5 years in existence.
Their next opponent…The Kyoto Hannaryz who finished this season in 3rd place and are coming off a 3-game series against the Osaka Evessa. In the 4 games that the Kings faced Kyoto this season, Kyoto holds a 3-1 advantage.
This will be an interesting game because these 2 teams always play tough games where neither team can take control of the game until the very end.
The Kings are all healthy now and are preparing for this game like it is the championship because it is a one and done situation.
The winner of this game will advance to the Finals on May 20th (Sunday) and go up against the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals (Hamamatsu vs Yokohama).
These games will be available for viewing on Internet BJTV and BS Fuji. If you are not able to view at either of these locations, you can check on the Kings Nation Facebook page for locations that might be having a public viewing.
This is the Kings 4th straight trip to the playoffs where they have won 1 championship….let’s make this our 2nd championship. GO KINGS!

Conference Semi-Finals Playoff Game #2 - 2012/05/13

DESTINATION: Finals in Ariake-Tokyo.

The Kings went up against Shiga for the rights to proceed onto the Finals in Ariake. After yesterdays hard fought 71-61 victory over the Lake Stars, the Kings wanted to complete the sweep and avoid that 3rd game. This game was close, as neither team could hold a lead. Shiga took a 17-15 lead after the 1st quarter but the Kings bounced back and took a 37-30 lead at the half. Shiga was able to take a 5-point lead in the 3rd quarter but the Kings fought back to regain the lead 56-54 at the end of 3. The 4th quarter got more physical because both teams were trying to take control of the game but in the end, the Kings outscored Shiga 18-12 and come away with a 74-66 victory. Anthony McHenry was voted the game MVP for his spectacular play by blocking shots, making steals, scoring and rebounding. The Kings were led by McHenry (13pts/12rebs), Newton (10pts), Namizato, Sneed and Kosuge (9pts apiece). The Kings are looking to play only 2 more games this season and winning their 2nd BJ League Championship. They will travel to Ariake next weekend to face the Kyoto Hannaryz in the Western Conference Final, with the opportunity to go up against the winner of the Eastern Conference Final game.
Congratulations to the Ryukyu Golden Kings!