Kanto Basketball: Meiji U’s Comeback Win
- TOKYO (May 5, 2025) – Meiji University's basketball team secured a third-place finish at the 74th Kanto University Basketball Championship on May 4, overcoming Nihon University with a...
- Meiji faced nihon University in the final match, vying for the last spot on the podium.
- The starting lineup for Meiji University included point guard Tento Chiba,shooting guard Daichi Harima,small forward shuntaro Muto,power forward Shintaro Onizawa,and power forward Daisei Tsukada.
Meiji university Basketball Clinches Third Place in Kanto Championship
TOKYO (May 5, 2025) – Meiji University’s basketball team secured a third-place finish at the 74th Kanto University Basketball Championship on May 4, overcoming Nihon University with a final score of 65-61. The victory, held at National yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium, marks a important achievement for the team.
Comeback Victory Secures Podium Finish
Meiji faced nihon University in the final match, vying for the last spot on the podium. Despite early struggles and a deficit that widened to 10 points, the team rallied in the third quarter. A back-and-forth battle ensued, but Meiji’s rebounding efforts proved crucial to their success.the combined energy of the players, coaching staff, and supporters fueled the long-awaited win.
Key Players and Game Highlights
The starting lineup for Meiji University included point guard Tento Chiba,shooting guard Daichi Harima,small forward shuntaro Muto,power forward Shintaro Onizawa,and power forward Daisei Tsukada.
The tournament’s final day saw meiji bounce back from a semi-final loss to Hakuo University. The third-place match against Nihon University, the previous year’s All Japan University Championship winner, began with intense three-point shooting from both sides. Despite initial setbacks,the team remained composed. “Even if the score is far apart this year,the team is able to hold back and keep up,” Muto said. Substitute Akira Shirasawa contributed key baskets,while Harima and Muto added combined shots.A buzzer-beater from Yuto Yukawa sealed the victory.
Second-Half Surge and Team Unity
Meiji University tied the game midway through the third quarter, sparked by a tap shot from Muto, assisted by Yuki yamagiwa. With 4 minutes and 20 seconds remaining, Captain Chiba motivated the team, emphasizing the importance of giving their best effort. the team’s improved rebounding, a past challenge, played a pivotal role in the win. “until last year, there were many situations where we were unable to put our bodies on the line and were dominated by rebounds, but it was great that we were able to get a rebound against international students,” Harima said.
Muto emphasized the team’s strong unity: “The team’s atmosphere is really good, and the five players (on the court), the bench and the outside of the bench are united and put their spirit in the game, so we can compete without slacking off until the end.” Chiba added, “This year, we started the season with the aim of becoming a team with a strong sense of unity…everyone in the team thinks about team first.”
The third-place finish is viewed as a stepping stone toward future success. “I am always thinking about making it a strong Meiji era in the year that marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company,” Muto said.
Post-Match Comments
Tento Chiba
In terms of play, until last year, I wasn’t able to deal with things I’m not good at as an individual… I tried to encourage the team as captain when I wasn’t playing… I think this challenge has been accomplished throughout this tournament… I would like to continue to challenge myself more on a daily basis.
Thanks to everyone who has always supported us,I am able to achieve this third place… We will continue to work hard every day to regain the strong Meiji era, so we look forward to your continued support.
Needle Room
Until last year,if we were at a slight disadvantage,the bench would remain silent and gradually the flow would have gone bad,but this year,I think there was a really good flow,with people on the bench making their voices first and people on the court making their voices too.
It’s been 10 years since I’ve made it to the top four,and nine years since I last entered the top eight… we first aimed at the top 8, so that being able to reach third place in the tournament was a guide to the path to winning, and I think it became clear.
Q&A Article:
Meiji University Basketball Secures Third Place in Kanto Championship: Your Questions answered
Q: What happened at the 74th Kanto University Basketball Championship?
A: Meiji University’s basketball team achieved a noteworthy third-place finish at the 74th Kanto University Basketball Championship, held on May 4, 2025, at the National Yoyogi Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo. They secured their victory with a final score of 65-61 against Nihon University.
Q: How did Meiji University secure their third-place win?
A: the Meiji team faced Nihon University in a crucial match for the podium. Initially, they faced a 10-point deficit. However,a strong comeback in the third quarter,fueled by improved rebounding,ultimately led to their victory. The team’s combined energy, along with support from the coaching staff and supporters, played a critical role in securing the win.
Q: Can you describe the key moments of the game?
A: The Meiji team fought hard from the begining.The match witnessed intense three-point shooting from both sides. Despite initial setbacks, the team remained composed. Key baskets by Akira Shirasawa and combined shots by Daichi Harima and Shuntaro Muto were crucial. A buzzer-beater from yuto Yukawa sealed the victory.
Q: Who were the key players for Meiji University in this game?
A: The starting lineup for meiji University included:
Tento Chiba (Point Guard)
daichi Harima (Shooting Guard)
Shuntaro Muto (Small Forward)
Shintaro Onizawa (Power Forward)
Daisei Tsukada (Power Forward)
Q: What was the meaning of the second-half surge?
A: The second-half surge, particularly in the third quarter, proved pivotal. The team tied the game midway thru the third quarter. This was sparked by a tap shot from Shuntaro Muto, assisted by Yuki Yamagiwa. With Captain Tento chiba motivating the team,emphasizing the importance of giving their best,their improved rebounding became a crucial factor.
Q: What was the role of team unity in Meiji’s success?
A: Team unity was a basic factor in Meiji’s success. The players emphasized their strong team atmosphere. According to Muto, the five players on the court, the those on the bench, and those supporting from the outside all put their spirit into the game. this unity allowed them to compete without slacking off until the end. Chiba added that the team started the season aiming to have a strong sense of unity,prioritizing the team’s goals above all else.
Q: What did the players and coaches say after the game?
A: Here are some key takeaways from their post-match comments:
From Tento Chiba:
He mentioned self-improvement, particularly in areas where he has struggled as an individual.
He actively encouraged the team as captain.
He considered the third-place finish a major accomplishment,and he plans to continue challenging himself further.
Chiba expressed gratitude to those who supported the team.
From Daichi Harima:
He highlighted the improved rebounding efforts.
Harima noted that the team was previously dominated by rebounds,but they were able to get a rebound against international students.
From Shuntaro Muto:
He focused on the team’s unity.
* He views the third-place finish as a stepping stone for future success.
Q: What does this third-place finish mean for Meiji University’s future?
A: The third-place finish is considered a stepping stone toward future success. Shuntaro Muto specifically mentioned focusing on building a strong Meiji era, especially as the university approaches its 100th anniversary.
Q: What were the challenges the team overcame to achieve this result?
A: According to the players, the team overcame difficulties with rebounding. They have also improved their ability to stay composed during the match and also improved their team unity.
Q: What is next for Meiji’s Basketball team?
A: The team hopes to continue daily dedicated training by regaining the strong Meiji era with support from everyone.