San-en NeoPhoenix Beat Ryukyu Golden Kings 96-86 in Okinawa

San-en NeoPhoenix earned a significant B1 League road win on November 1, 2026, defeating Ryukyu Golden Kings 96-86 at Okinawa Arena. San-en’s three-point shooting and late-game execution proved the difference in a high-quality contest between two teams with playoff ambitions.

Match overview

The first half was closely contested, with San-en taking a 25-24 lead after the opening quarter and extending it to 48-44 by halftime. Ryukyu stayed within striking distance thanks to second-chance points and the interior play of Jack Cooley, but San-en’s perimeter attack kept the visitors in front.

The third quarter proved decisive. San-en outscored Ryukyu 24-22, but more importantly, they answered every Ryukyu run with a timely three-pointer. Ryukyu cut the deficit to three early in the fourth quarter, but San-en responded with a 7-0 burst and controlled the final minutes with smart shot selection and free-throw shooting.

Key moments

• San-en closed the second quarter with a 10-4 run, capped by Tatsuya Suzuki’s deep three.
• A 10-0 San-en run late in the third quarter pushed the lead to 76-66.
• Ryukyu answered with a 9-2 surge to open the fourth, making it 78-75.
• San-en sealed the game with a 7-0 run over the next two minutes, including a corner three from Shota Onodera.

Tactical story

San-en’s offense was built on quick ball reversals and aggressive three-point shooting. The NeoPhoenix attempted 32 threes, making 14, and consistently punished Ryukyu’s help defense. Suzuki controlled the tempo, while Onodera and the wing rotation found open looks from the corners.

Ryukyu won the rebounding battle and scored well inside, but their perimeter shooting was inconsistent. The Golden Kings made only 6-of-24 from beyond the arc, and their late-game possessions too often ended in contested shots. San-en’s switching defense also forced several key turnovers in the final five minutes.

Standout performers

• Tatsuya Suzuki (San-en): 23 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds.
• Shota Onodera (San-en): 21 points, including five three-pointers.
• Kyle Hunt (San-en): 16 points and 11 rebounds.
• Jack Cooley (Ryukyu): 18 points and 14 rebounds.
• Ryukyu’s backcourt: combined for 31 points but shot just 9-of-27 from the field.

What the result means

The win gives San-en NeoPhoenix an important road victory and reinforces their credentials in the B1 League. For Ryukyu Golden Kings, the loss is a frustrating one, especially at home, and highlights the need for more consistent perimeter shooting and better late-game execution. With the season still developing, both teams will view this matchup as a useful benchmark for where they stand in a competitive B1 landscape.