Ryukyu Golden Kings, Taoyuan Pauian Pilots battle for dominance in EASL Final Four 2025

MACAU—The battle for a championship berth intensifies as the Ryukyu Golden Kings and Taoyuan Pauian Pilots face off in the 2025 East Asia Super League (EASL) Final Four here Friday at the Studio City Event Center.

Taoyuan has impressed throughout the season despite being an EASL first-timer, but the Pilots faced their biggest struggles against Japanese teams—an issue they must overcome against a powerhouse Ryukyu squad.

[ALSO READ: Japan B.League’s Ryukyu, Hiroshima take on Taiwan's New Taipei, Taoyuan in EASL Final Four]

The Golden Kings enter the EASL semifinals with a strong B.LEAGUE history, including a 27-12 record in the current Japan season, impressing both in the local and international leagues.

Friday’s showdown will feature a highly anticipated frontcourt battle between two dominant big men.

Ryukyu’s 6-foot-10 Jack Cooley, with previous NBA experience with the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings, has been a rebounding machine, averaging 18.8 points and 13.6 boards in the group stage.

His best performance came against Busan KCC Egis last Dec. 4, when he exploded for 29 points and 18 rebounds en route to EASL Player of the Game honors.

Meanwhile, Taoyuan is expected to counter with 7-foot Alec Brown, a former Cleveland Cavaliers prospect who has been a key presence on both ends of the floor.

He led the league in blocks with 1.7 per game while also averaging 20.8 points and 7.7 rebounds in six group stage outings.

As for the locals, it will be Ryuichi Kishimoto leading the way for Ryukyu, averaging 12.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists for the season.

On the other hand, Taoyuan will look for Lu Chun-Hsiang, who is the P. LEAGUE+ all-time leading scorer. He is also putting up 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists in the EASL season.

With a spot in the EASL Finals at stake, expect a hard-fought battle when these two teams collide at 9:00 p.m.