The seventh showdown will shatter the stalemate.
The Tokyo Apache and Sendai 89ers went 3-3 against each other during regular-season contests. This intense rivalry now shifts to the bj-league playoff semifinals.
The teams meet again on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ariake Colosseum. The winner advances to Sunday's title game against the Osaka Evessa-Rizing Fukuoka winner. The loser plays in the third-place game on Sunday afternoon.