Niigata Albirex BB escaped with an 81-78 B2 League road win over Fukushima Firebonds on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, surviving a tense fourth quarter and making the winning plays in the final minute. The game was close from start to finish, but Niigata’s late shot-making and free-throw discipline proved decisive in a matchup that neither team led by more than a handful of possessions.

Match overview

Fukushima opened with energy in front of its home crowd and led after the first quarter, but Niigata responded before halftime and kept the game within one possession for most of the second half. The final period featured multiple lead changes before the Albirex BB settled the outcome from the charity stripe.

• Final score: Fukushima Firebonds 78, Niigata Albirex BB 81
• Quarter scores: Fukushima 22-18-17-21; Niigata 19-20-21-21
• Key stretch: Niigata’s 21-17 third quarter
• Deciding area: Late-game execution and free-throw shooting

How Niigata edged it

Niigata did not dominate any single statistical category, but it controlled the possessions that mattered most. The Albirex BB moved the ball effectively against Fukushima’s pressure, found open looks from the perimeter and attacked the rim when the Firebonds overextended on closeouts. That two-way balance kept the visitors within reach before their late-game execution took over.

Fukushima’s offense was at its best when it played with pace. The Firebonds created good looks in transition and used dribble penetration to collapse the defense, but Niigata adjusted in the second half by slowing those initial actions and forcing Fukushima into more contested half-court shots.

Key moments

• Fukushima led by five early in the second quarter before Niigata answered with a 9-0 run.
• The teams traded the lead four times in the third quarter, with neither side able to build a cushion.
• Niigata took the lead for good on a three-pointer with just over a minute remaining.
• The Albirex BB sealed the win with two free throws after a Fukushima foul on the ensuing possession.

Tactical story

Fukushima tried to speed the game up and force Niigata into turnovers, and the approach worked in spurts. But the Firebonds’ half-court offense became predictable when the pace slowed, and Niigata’s guards did a better job of staying in front of drives during the final 20 minutes.

Niigata also won the battle on the glass in key moments, limiting second-chance opportunities and giving itself enough possessions to survive Fukushima’s runs. The Albirex BB’s ability to stay composed after giving up a lead in the fourth quarter was the difference between a narrow win and a frustrating loss.

Standout performers

Niigata guard Tyler Harris led the visitors with 22 points and eight rebounds, hitting several tough shots in the fourth quarter. Fukushima’s Sota Kimura finished with 20 points and kept the Firebonds in the game with timely perimeter shooting. Both teams received important minutes from their benches, but Niigata’s starters made the more decisive plays down the stretch.

What it means

The win gives Niigata a hard-earned road result in the B2 League and reinforces the team’s ability to close out tight games. Fukushima will be disappointed to lose at home after leading early, but the Firebonds’ competitive performance against a strong opponent offers positives as the season moves forward.