Ryukyu Golden Kings held off the San-en NeoPhoenix 86-80 in a B1 League matchup on October 31, 2026 at the Okinawa Arena, giving the home side a hard-fought win in front of their own fans. The Golden Kings improved their B1 League record with a balanced offensive performance, while the NeoPhoenix left Okinawa frustrated after a competitive game that stayed close into the final minutes.
Match Overview
The game tipped off at 17:05 on Halloween evening, and Ryukyu came out with the energy expected of a team playing at home. San-en stayed within striking distance throughout, trading baskets and keeping the deficit manageable, but the Golden Kings made the decisive plays down the stretch to seal the six-point victory. The final score of 86-80 reflects a game that was tighter than the margin suggests for most of the night.
Key Moments
The contest was decided in the closing quarter, when Ryukyu tightened its defense and converted key possessions on the offensive end. The Golden Kings' ability to protect their home floor has been a hallmark of their B1 League campaigns, and this game followed that pattern. San-en's offense, which had been effective for much of the night, stalled just enough in the final minutes to allow Ryukyu to pull away.
Standout Performers
Ryukyu's balanced scoring was the story of the night, with multiple players contributing in double figures. The Golden Kings' frontcourt controlled the paint and generated second-chance opportunities, while their guards managed the tempo effectively in the fourth quarter. For San-en, the NeoPhoenix got strong individual efforts but could not find enough consistent production to match Ryukyu's late surge.
Season Impact
The win keeps the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the upper reaches of the B1 League standings, reinforcing their reputation as one of the competition's most difficult home teams. San-en NeoPhoenix will look to regroup and bounce back in their next fixture, with the loss serving as a reminder of how narrow the margins are in Japan's top basketball division.
What's Next
Both clubs return to B1 League action in the coming days, with Ryukyu aiming to build on this home victory and San-en seeking to correct the late-game issues that cost them in Okinawa.

