NONTHABURI (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2018) — Alex Kirk threw down a monstrous two-handed slam in the waning seconds of the game to punch in an emphatic statement.

After a 78-54 win over the SK Knights, Alvark Tokyo had not only proven that they were good enough to play among Asia’s best clubs, they are now in contention to be Asia’s best club.

Alvark are the first club from Japan to play at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup since the turn of the millennium and are now only one step away from winning Japan’s first title in the tourney as well. The last time a team from Japan was this close to winning it all was back in 1996 when the Isuzu Lynx lost 77-74 in the championship game.

Today's game was another dominating win and  the signs of such a win was clear from the start. After falling behind 5-4 early in the first quarter, Alvark rumbled for a 19-3 run to end the interval in full control. The lead only continued to grow and was at 42-25 after a Daiki Tanaka three just before the halftime buzzer.

The game progressed in favor of Alvark Tokyo with back-to-back breakaway dunks from Milko Bjelica and Yudai Baba in the middle of the 4^th, expanding the lead to 25 points.

All but one player of Alvark put up points on the board with 4 players scoring in double-digits. Kirk led the team once again with 23 points, but barely had to create his own shots to get things going. The masterful ball rotation of Coach Luka Pavicevic’s squad was on display once again with 21 of their 31 field goals being assisted.

Following this win, Alvark Tokyo will be facing Petrochimi in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup title game.

Dajuan Summers of the SK Knights  had another big game with 28 points and 10 rebounds, but struggled to get in rhythm and get the team a finals berth.

The SK Knights will face the Meralco Bolts in the 3^rd Place Game.