Speaking to reporters on Saturday after his team's first home game in eight months, Sendai 89ers coach Bob Pierce said, "I just really want to thank the boosters and the fans, to see that many people out there cheering for us (proved) that after the earthquake we were able to put this team back together. We are very, very thankful to all the people in Sendai and the people that came from Akita to watch the game.
"It's nice to be playing basketball here in Sendai."