Hiroshima Dragonflies edged San-en NeoPhoenix 77-75 in a tense B1 League matchup on October 19, 2026, using a late fourth-quarter surge to secure a hard-fought home win. The game featured 11 lead changes and was tied entering the final period, but Hiroshima’s execution in the last three minutes proved decisive.

Match Overview

Hiroshima opened with a 20-18 first quarter, and San-en responded with a 20-18 second period of its own to send the teams into halftime tied at 38. The NeoPhoenix briefly took control in the third quarter, outscoring the hosts 19-17, but Hiroshima answered with a 22-18 final frame. The margin never exceeded seven points, and neither team led by more than two possessions in the closing five minutes.

• Quarter scores: Hiroshima 20-18, 18-20, 17-19, 22-18 San-en
• Halftime: 38-38
• Final: Hiroshima Dragonflies 77, San-en NeoPhoenix 75

Key Moments

The decisive sequence came with 1:42 remaining. Trailing 73-72, Hiroshima forced a contested jumper and turned the miss into a transition opportunity, capped by a go-ahead corner three. After San-en tied the game at 75 with 48 seconds left, Hiroshima ran a high pick-and-roll that produced a pull-up jumper from the elbow. The Dragonflies then sealed the result with a defensive stop on San-en’s final possession, forcing a difficult fadeaway that rimmed out at the buzzer.

Tactical Story

Both teams prioritized half-court execution, and the game was decided by shot quality rather than pace. Hiroshima attacked San-en’s drop coverage with repeated ball screens, generating open mid-range looks and kick-out threes. San-en countered with aggressive help defense and transition opportunities, but the NeoPhoenix managed only eight fast-break points. Hiroshima’s rebounding advantage, particularly on the offensive end, gave the hosts extra possessions that proved crucial in a two-point game.

Standout Players

Hiroshima guard Daiki Sasaki led the Dragonflies with 19 points and seven assists, including the go-ahead jumper in the final minute. Forward Kyle Martin added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Ryohei Nakamura contributed 14 points off the bench. San-en was led by Yuto Nakajima, who scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Jordan Brooks, who added 15 points and 10 boards in a strong interior performance.

Season Impact

The win gives Hiroshima Dragonflies an important early-season result in the B1 League standings and reinforces their ability to win close games at home. For San-en NeoPhoenix, the loss is a narrow one that will sting, but the team’s defensive effort and rebounding performance offer positives. Both clubs remain in the thick of the early playoff race, and the head-to-head result could matter when the standings are reviewed later in the season.