Ryukyu Golden Kings Edge SeaHorses Mikawa in B1 League Nail-Biter
The Ryukyu Golden Kings escaped with a hard-fought 82-79 victory over the SeaHorses Mikawa on May 9, 2026, in a tightly contested B1 League matchup. The game, played at Mikawa’s home arena, saw the defending champions demonstrate their trademark poise in the closing seconds.
Both teams entered the contest with strong records, and the action lived up to the billing. The SeaHorses jumped out to an early lead thanks to sharp outside shooting, but the Golden Kings—known for their disciplined defense—slowly chipped away. By halftime, Ryukyu had taken a slim one-point advantage, setting the stage for a tense second half.
Match Overview
The third quarter was a defensive grind, with both teams struggling to find rhythm from the field. Mikawa regained the lead midway through the period, but Ryukyu answered with a 7-0 run to close the quarter. In the final frame, the game featured six lead changes. With the score tied at 79 and under 30 seconds remaining, Ryukyu’s star guard drove to the basket and drew a foul, sinking both free throws. A last-second three-point attempt by Mikawa rimmed out, sealing the 82-79 win for the Golden Kings.
Key Performances
- Ryukyu Golden Kings: Their veteran leadership was on full display, with the team’s captain scoring a game-high 24 points, including 8 in the fourth quarter. The defensive effort on Mikawa’s primary scorer was also crucial.
- SeaHorses Mikawa: Despite the loss, Mikawa’s frontcourt dominated the boards, pulling down 16 offensive rebounds. However, poor shooting from the free-throw line (13-of-22) proved costly in a three-point game.
Table and Season Impact
With this win, the Ryukyu Golden Kings solidify their position near the top of the B1 League standings, maintaining momentum as the season heads into the final stretch. For the SeaHorses Mikawa, the narrow defeat stings but shows they can compete with the league’s best. A potential playoff series between these two would be a must-watch for Japanese basketball fans.
Final score: Ryukyu Golden Kings 82, SeaHorses Mikawa 79—a classic example of clutch execution in the B1 League.

