The Hiroshima Dragonflies delivered a dominant road performance on Sunday, September 27, 2026, defeating the Saga Ballooners 89–61 in B1 League action. The 28-point margin was never in doubt after the opening quarter, as Hiroshima controlled both ends of the floor and handed Saga a sobering home defeat.

Match overview

From the opening tip at 13:05, the Dragonflies looked like the sharper team. Hiroshima jumped out to an early lead behind relentless defensive pressure and efficient three-point shooting, while Saga struggled to find any offensive rhythm. By the end of the first quarter, the visitors led 26–13, and the game’s tone was already set.

Saga tried to claw back in the second quarter, but Hiroshima’s bench maintained the intensity. The Dragonflies took a 45–28 advantage into halftime and then blew the game open with a dominant third quarter, outscoring the Ballooners 28–16. The final period was largely academic, with Hiroshima emptying their bench and still extending the lead.

How the game unfolded

Hiroshima’s offense was a model of balance and precision. The Dragonflies moved the ball crisply, finding open shooters on the perimeter and cutting lanes to the basket. They shot 52% from the field and 41% from three-point range, while holding Saga to just 36% shooting overall. The Ballooners managed only 5-of-24 from beyond the arc, a glaring weakness that Hiroshima exploited all afternoon.

Defensively, the Dragonflies were equally impressive. They switched aggressively on screens, disrupted Saga’s pick-and-roll actions, and forced 15 turnovers. Hiroshima turned those takeaways into 21 points, often in transition before Saga’s defense could set up. The Ballooners’ half-court offense was stagnant, relying on isolation plays that rarely produced clean looks.

Key moments that swung the game

• First-quarter blitz: Hiroshima opened the game with a 16–2 run, capped by three consecutive three-pointers, silencing the home crowd early.
• Second-quarter resilience: Saga cut the lead to 12 midway through the second, but Hiroshima answered with a 10–0 run to restore control before halftime.
• Third-quarter knockout: The Dragonflies started the second half with a 14–3 surge, pushing the lead to 28 points and effectively ending the contest.
• Bench production: Hiroshima’s reserves added 34 points, highlighting the team’s depth and keeping the pressure on even with the starters resting.

Tactical story: defense fuels offense

Hiroshima’s defensive strategy was built on pressure and communication. They denied Saga’s primary scorers the ball, forced difficult shots, and contested every rebound. The Dragonflies controlled the glass 44–31, limiting Saga’s second-chance opportunities and allowing their own fast-break attack to flourish.

On offense, Hiroshima emphasized ball movement and player movement. Their guards consistently beat their defenders off the dribble, drawing help and then kicking out to open shooters. The Dragonflies assisted on 24 of their 33 made field goals, a testament to their unselfish play. Saga, by contrast, managed only 11 assists, a reflection of their isolation-heavy approach.

Standout performers

Hiroshima’s starting point guard was the engine of the offense, finishing with 20 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals. He controlled the pace, made smart decisions in transition, and knocked down three three-pointers. The Dragonflies’ power forward added a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the paint on both ends.

For Saga, the center was the lone bright spot, scoring 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting and grabbing 8 rebounds. The Ballooners’ backcourt struggled mightily, combining for just 18 points on 6-of-24 shooting. Without consistent perimeter scoring, Saga had no answer for Hiroshima’s balanced attack.

B1 League standings impact

The win boosts Hiroshima’s position in the upper tier of the B1 League standings, reinforcing their credentials as a contender. For Saga, the loss is a setback that leaves them searching for answers on both ends of the floor. The Ballooners will need to address their shooting woes and defensive rotations quickly in a demanding B1 schedule.

What’s next

Hiroshima returns home with confidence high, aiming to build on a performance that showcased their depth and defensive identity. Saga faces a crucial stretch of games where they must find offensive cohesion and avoid falling further behind in the playoff race. The 89–61 result will serve as both a warning and a learning opportunity for the Ballooners as the season progresses.