Ryukyu Golden Kings Beat Alvark Tokyo 85-74 in B1 League Road Statement

The Ryukyu Golden Kings produced one of their most controlled road performances of the young B1 League season, defeating Alvark Tokyo 85-74 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. In a 13:05 afternoon tip-off, Ryukyu used a decisive third-quarter run and a strong finish at the rim to pull away from an Alvark side that stayed within striking distance until the final six minutes.

The final score of 85-74 reflected Ryukyu’s balance on both ends of the floor. The Golden Kings shared the ball, controlled the defensive glass, and repeatedly punished Alvark’s help defense with timely three-point shooting. For Alvark Tokyo, the loss was a frustrating home result in the B1 League standings, especially after a competitive first half in front of their home crowd.

Match Overview

Alvark Tokyo started with energy and attacked the paint early, but Ryukyu Golden Kings settled into the game behind interior scoring and transition offense. The visitors led by four after the first quarter and maintained a narrow edge at halftime. The game turned in the third period, when Ryukyu tightened its defense and forced Alvark into several rushed perimeter attempts.

Ryukyu led 41-39 at halftime, but the third quarter proved decisive. A 24-16 advantage in that period gave the Golden Kings a 65-55 cushion heading into the fourth. Alvark made a late push, but Ryukyu answered every run with a composed possession and a made shot.

Key Moments

The Golden Kings opened the game with an 8-2 burst, setting the tone with aggressive closeouts and quick ball movement. Alvark responded in the second quarter, briefly taking a 32-30 lead after a pair of fast-break baskets and an and-one finish inside. However, Ryukyu closed the half with a 6-0 mini-run to reclaim momentum before the break.

• Third-quarter surge: Ryukyu opened the second half with a 12-2 run, turning a two-point halftime lead into a double-digit advantage.
• Alvark’s late push: Tokyo cut the deficit to 68-62 in the fourth quarter, but back-to-back three-pointers from the wings ended the comeback threat.
• Free-throw control: Ryukyu made key free throws in the final three minutes, preventing Alvark from mounting a final rally.
• Rebounding edge: The Golden Kings won the battle on the defensive boards, limiting Alvark’s second-chance opportunities during the decisive stretch.

Tactical Story

Ryukyu Golden Kings coach emphasized a compact defensive shell, daring Alvark Tokyo to beat them from the outside. The strategy worked: Alvark generated open looks but struggled to convert consistently from beyond the arc, while Ryukyu’s guards kept the offense organized in half-court sets. On the other end, Ryukyu attacked the paint first, then kicked out to shooters when Alvark collapsed.

Alvark Tokyo’s offense was at its best when it played through the high post and used off-ball cuts. That approach produced several efficient possessions in the first half, but it became less effective after Ryukyu adjusted its rotations. The Golden Kings also controlled the pace, preventing Alvark from turning the game into a full-court track meet. In a B1 League matchup where both teams value execution, Ryukyu’s half-court discipline made the difference.

Standout Players

Alvark Tokyo: Sebastian Saiz led the home side with 19 points and 11 rebounds, battling hard inside against Ryukyu’s physical frontcourt. Daiki Tanaka added 14 points and 5 assists, while Ryan Rossiter contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds. Yudai Baba brought energy on both ends, finishing with 9 points and several deflections that kept Alvark within reach during the first half.

Ryukyu Golden Kings: Jack Cooley was dominant in the paint, recording 22 points and 14 rebounds. Keita Imamura scored 18 points, including four three-pointers, many of them in crucial moments. Ryuichi Kishimoto added 14 points and 6 assists, directing the offense with poise, while Allen Durham chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds. Their balanced scoring made Ryukyu difficult to guard for all four quarters.

B1 League Standings and Season Impact

The win gives Ryukyu Golden Kings an important early-season resu