Hiroshima Dragonflies secured an important 95-88 road win over Shimane Susanoo Magic in the B1 League on Saturday, October 31, 2026. In a tight contest between two teams with playoff ambitions, Hiroshima’s late-game execution and perimeter shooting made the difference down the stretch.

The Dragonflies trailed at times but stayed within reach throughout, then pulled away in the final minutes with a decisive run. Shimane had chances to respond, but Hiroshima’s defense and composure at the free-throw line closed the door.

Match overview

The game was closely fought from the opening tip. Shimane held a narrow 24-22 lead after the first quarter, but Hiroshima edged ahead 47-44 at halftime. The third quarter remained tight, and the Dragonflies carried a 70-65 advantage into the final period.

• First quarter: Shimane 24-22
• Second quarter: Shimane 20-25
• Third quarter: Shimane 21-23
• Fourth quarter: Shimane 23-25
• Final score: Shimane Susanoo Magic 88-95 Hiroshima Dragonflies

Neither team managed to build a double-digit lead until the closing stages. The game featured several lead changes and a tense final five minutes, with Hiroshima making the bigger plays on both ends.

Key moments

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with Shimane’s inside scoring matched by Hiroshima’s three-point shooting. The Dragonflies took control early in the third quarter with a 7-0 run, but Shimane answered behind a pair of driving layups and a mid-range jumper.

The decisive stretch came in the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 80-80, Hiroshima produced an 8-0 run over the next two minutes, highlighted by a corner three and a steal that led to an easy transition basket. Shimane called timeout, but the Dragonflies maintained their momentum.

Shimane cut the lead to four in the final minute, but Hiroshima converted six straight free throws to seal the win. The visitors’ ability to execute in pressure situations proved the difference in a game that could have gone either way.

Tactical story

Hiroshima’s perimeter shooting and late-game defense were the key tactical factors. The Dragonflies spaced the floor well, forced Shimane to defend multiple actions, and knocked down timely three-pointers. Defensively, Hiroshima tightened up in the fourth quarter, contesting shots and limiting Shimane’s clean looks from beyond the arc.

Shimane won the rebounding battle and scored well in the paint, but turnovers and missed free throws in the final period hurt their comeback hopes. Hiroshima’s guards controlled the tempo in the closing minutes, while Shimane’s half-court offense became too reliant on individual shot creation.

Standout players

Kenta Yamada led Hiroshima with 24 points and 6 assists, hitting several difficult shots in the fourth quarter. Michael Harris added 20 points and 13 rebounds, giving the Dragonflies a strong inside-outside balance. Hiroshima’s bench also provided important minutes, particularly on the defensive end.

For Shimane, Riku Sasaki scored 21 points and kept the Susanoo Magic in the game with aggressive drives. Daichi Mori added 17 points and 8 rebounds, but Shimane’s supporting cast struggled to match Hiroshima’s efficiency in the closing minutes.

What it means

The win gives Hiroshima Dragonflies a valuable road result in the B1 League standings and strengthens their head-to-head position against a potential playoff rival. It was the kind of game that can build belief, especially with the team executing so well under pressure.

Shimane Susanoo Magic will take encouragement from their rebounding and interior play, but the loss highlights the need for better late-game decision-making. In a competitive B1 League season, close games like this often decide seeding, and Hiroshima will be pleased to have come out on top.