The Kanazawa Samuraiz secured an impressive 81–70 road victory over the Niigata Albirex BB on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in B2 League play. A strong second half and timely three-point shooting lifted Kanazawa past a determined Niigata side, handing the Albirex a home defeat in front of their fans.

Match overview

The game tipped off at 13:05 with both teams eager to establish early control. Niigata came out with energy, using their home crowd to fuel an aggressive start, but Kanazawa matched them basket for basket. The first quarter ended with Kanazawa holding a slim 20–18 lead, setting the stage for a tightly contested affair.

The second quarter saw Niigata briefly take the lead behind a 9–2 run, but Kanazawa responded with balanced scoring to head into halftime up 38–35. The Samuraiz then took over in the third quarter, outscoring the Albirex 24–15 to build a double-digit cushion that they protected down the stretch.

How the game unfolded

Kanazawa’s offense was efficient and patient, relying on crisp ball movement and intelligent shot selection. The Samuraiz shot 47% from the field and 39% from three-point range, consistently finding open looks against Niigata’s defense. Their guards penetrated effectively, collapsing the defense and kicking out to shooters who made the Albirex pay.

Niigata, meanwhile, struggled with turnovers and inconsistent shooting. The Albirex shot just 40% from the floor and 30% from beyond the arc, and their 14 turnovers led to 18 Kanazawa points. Despite a spirited fourth-quarter effort, Niigata could never string together enough stops to mount a serious comeback.

Key moments that swung the game

• Third-quarter surge: Kanazawa opened the second half with a 10–0 run, turning a three-point halftime lead into a 13-point advantage.
• Three-point barrage: The Samuraiz hit four three-pointers in the third quarter alone, exploiting Niigata’s rotations and stretching the defense.
• Clutch free throws: Kanazawa went 14-of-16 from the line in the fourth quarter, preventing any late Niigata rally.
• Defensive stops: The Samuraiz forced three consecutive turnovers midway through the fourth, each converted into points on the other end.

Tactical story: ball movement and perimeter defense

Kanazawa’s coaching staff emphasized ball movement and spacing, and the players executed beautifully. The Samuraiz recorded 22 assists on 30 made field goals, constantly making the extra pass to find the best available shot. Defensively, they limited Niigata’s inside touches and forced the Albirex to settle for contested jumpers.

Niigata’s game plan centered on attacking the paint, but Kanazawa’s big men held their ground, blocking four shots and altering several others. The Albirex’s inability to consistently knock down outside shots allowed Kanazawa to pack the paint and control the rebounding battle 39–32. Without a reliable perimeter threat, Niigata’s offense became predictable and easy to defend.

Standout performers

Kanazawa’s shooting guard led all scorers with 22 points, including four three-pointers, and added 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He was the catalyst for the third-quarter run that broke the game open. The Samuraiz’s point guard was equally influential, finishing with 14 points and 11 assists while committing only one turnover, orchestrating the offense with poise.

For Niigata, the power forward delivered a strong performance with 18 points and 10 rebounds, battling hard on the interior. However, he received limited support from the backcourt, which combined for just 20 points on 7-of-22 shooting. The Albirex’s bench managed only 12 points, while Kanazawa’s reserves contributed 21, highlighting the depth difference between the two sides.

B2 League standings impact

The road win lifts Kanazawa in the B2 League standings, strengthening their position in the playoff chase. It also marks an important confidence boost, proving they can win in hostile environments. Niigata, meanwhile, remains in the mix but will need to address their shooting inconsistencies and turnover issues to keep pace in a competitive B2 field.

What’s next

Kanazawa returns home looking to build on this momentum, while Niigata hits the road hoping to correct their offensive struggles. The Albirex will focus on ball security and better perimeter shooting in practice, knowing that their playoff hopes depend on quickly recapturing their early-season form. For Kanazawa, the 81–70 win is a clear statement of intent as the season unfolds.