Levanga Hokkaido Take Road Win Over Kyoto Hannaryz 85-79

Levanga Hokkaido earned an 85-79 road victory over Kyoto Hannaryz in the B1 League, using a balanced offensive attack and a strong third quarter to take control of a tight contest. The visitors led by three at halftime, stretched the advantage in the third period, and then held off Kyoto’s late push to secure a valuable win in the Japanese top flight.

• Final score: Kyoto Hannaryz 79, Levanga Hokkaido 85
• Competition: B1 League
• Halftime: Kyoto Hannaryz 39, Levanga Hokkaido 42
• Quarter scores: 18-22, 21-20, 19-22, 21-21
• Decisive stretch: Third quarter, when Levanga built a six-point lead

Match overview: Levanga edge a close first half

Levanga Hokkaido started strongly, scoring 22 first-quarter points while holding Kyoto Hannaryz to 18. Kyoto responded in the second quarter, adding 21 points and trimming the deficit, but Levanga maintained a 42-39 halftime lead. The game remained tight, with both teams trading baskets and neither side able to establish a comfortable margin.

The third quarter proved decisive. Levanga outscored Kyoto 22-19 to extend the lead to 64-58 entering the final period. Kyoto made several runs in the fourth quarter, but Levanga always had an answer. The visitors matched Kyoto’s 21 fourth-quarter points, closing out the game with timely baskets and free throws to secure the six-point win.

Key moments: Levanga’s third-quarter surge

The key stretch came midway through the third quarter, when Levanga turned a one-point lead into a seven-point advantage. A pair of three-pointers and a strong finish at the rim highlighted the run, forcing Kyoto to call timeout. The Hannaryz responded with a mini-run of their own, but Levanga’s defense tightened in the final minutes of the period, denying Kyoto clean looks from beyond the arc.

In the fourth quarter, Kyoto cut the lead to four points with just under three minutes remaining. Levanga’s response was calm and clinical: a patient half-court possession produced an open mid-range jumper, and a defensive stop led to a fast-break layup. Those four points restored a comfortable cushion and took the air out of Kyoto’s comeback attempt.

Tactical story: balance and perimeter defense

Levanga Hokkaido won this game with balance. Four players scored in double figures, and the team moved the ball well against Kyoto’s half-court defense. The visitors also shot the three-pointer efficiently, using screen-and-roll actions to create open looks on the wing. Defensively, Levanga limited Kyoto’s transition opportunities and forced the Hannaryz into contested jumpers in the fourth quarter.

Kyoto had success inside, particularly when their center established deep position, but the hosts struggled to contain Levanga’s dribble penetration. Kyoto’s guards created good looks for teammates, yet the team’s perimeter shooting was inconsistent. The Hannaryz also lost the rebounding battle by a narrow margin, which proved costly in a game decided by small margins.

Standout performers

Levanga’s lead guard finished with 20 points and eight assists, controlling the tempo and hitting several clutch shots in the second half. Their forward added 18 points and nine rebounds, providing a steady inside-out presence. Kyoto’s center led the hosts with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while their shooting guard contributed 17 points. Levanga’s bench gave valuable minutes, helping the visitors maintain energy through the fourth quarter.

What the result means in the B1 League table

The road win strengthens Levanga Hokkaido’s position in the B1 League standings and gives them momentum in a competitive playoff race. For Kyoto Hannaryz, the loss is a frustrating one because the game was within reach late, but the hosts will take encouragement from their fight in the fourth quarter. The head-to-head result now favors Levanga and adds another useful marker in what could become an important tiebreak scenario.