Utsunomiya overcome Al Riyadi to clinch FIBA BCL Asia title in Dubai

DJ Newbill nailed arguably the biggest shot of his career to help Utsunomiya Brex dethrone Al Riyadi, 94-93 and claim 2025 FIBA Basketball Champions League Asia title.

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With the clock ticking down and Utsunomiya trailing by two, Newbill delivered the shot of a lifetime a perfectly timed, high-arching, step-back three-pointer over the outstretched arm of Marcus Georges-Hunt with 23.6 seconds remaining. It wasn't just a basket - it was a championship dagger.

The Brex edged Al Riyadi 94-93 in a rollercoaster finale Friday night at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, snatching the BCL Asia 2025 title in breathtaking fashion. Newbill's late-game heroics turned despair into euphoria for the Japanese side, sparking pandemonium on the Utsunomiya bench and leaving the once-raucous Lebanese faithful stunned into silence.

For Newbill, who finished with 21 points, the moment represented the culmination of grit, leadership, and unwavering confidence. While his numbers were solid throughout, it was that one perfect shot - under the brightest lights and heaviest pressure - that defined his night, and perhaps, his career.

"This is why you play the game," Newbill said after the win. "You live for these moments. We've been working for this all season, and to come through for the guys when it mattered... it's everything."