The Nagoya Diamond Dolphins secured a valuable road win in the B1 League on Sunday, October 4, 2026, defeating the Shimane Susanoo Magic 90-80 at the Shimane Prefectural Gymnasium. In a game that stayed close through the opening quarter, Nagoya’s second-half execution and timely three-point shooting proved decisive as they pulled away late to hand Shimane a home defeat in front of a lively crowd in Matsue.

Match Overview

Competition: B1 League regular season
Fixture: Shimane Susanoo Magic vs. Nagoya Diamond Dolphins
Date: October 4, 2026
Final Score: Shimane Susanoo Magic 80, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 90
Venue: Shimane Prefectural Gymnasium, Matsue

The result moves Nagoya into a stronger early-season position in the B1 standings, while Shimane are left to regroup after a promising start slipped away in the second half. The Diamond Dolphins’ balanced scoring and defensive discipline were the difference in a contest that featured several lead changes and plenty of physical play in the paint.

How the Game Unfolded

Shimane came out with energy, feeding off the home crowd and attacking the rim early. The Susanoo Magic’s guards pushed the pace, and their interior players worked hard on the offensive glass to create second-chance opportunities. For much of the first quarter, Shimane looked the more comfortable side, moving the ball sharply and finding open looks from the perimeter.

Nagoya, however, stayed patient. The Diamond Dolphins absorbed the early pressure and gradually found their rhythm through pick-and-roll actions and crisp ball movement. A late first-quarter run gave them a narrow advantage, and from that point on, the game developed into a tactical battle in which neither team could build a double-digit lead until the final period.

The third quarter proved pivotal. Nagoya tightened their defense on Shimane’s primary scorers, forcing contested jump shots and limiting easy transition baskets. At the other end, the Diamond Dolphins knocked down key three-pointers and converted free throws to edge ahead. Shimane threatened several times, but Nagoya always had an answer, whether through a timely steal, an offensive rebound, or a clutch shot from their backcourt leaders.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter surge: Nagoya closed the first half with a momentum-building run, turning a small deficit into a halftime lead.
• Third-quarter defense: The Diamond Dolphins held Shimane to a low-scoring stretch midway through the third, creating the separation that would ultimately decide the game.
• Fourth-quarter composure: With Shimane pressing to cut the lead, Nagoya calmly converted free throws and avoided turnovers in the final minutes.
• Rebounding battle: Nagoya’s ability to control the defensive glass limited Shimane’s second-chance points, a critical factor in a ten-point margin.

Tactical Story

Nagoya’s game plan centered on disrupting Shimane’s half-court offense. The Diamond Dolphins switched aggressively on screens and used their length to contest shots, forcing Shimane into late-clock situations. Offensively, Nagoya spread the floor and attacked mismatches, often finding open shooters when Shimane collapsed into the paint.

Shimane’s best moments came when they played with pace. When the Susanoo Magic pushed the ball in transition, they were able to score before Nagoya’s defense could set. But in the half court, they struggled to generate clean looks against a disciplined Nagoya unit that communicated well and rotated effectively.

The free-throw line also told a story. Nagoya got to the stripe more frequently in the second half and made the most of their opportunities, while Shimane left points on the board with missed attempts at crucial moments.

Standout Performers

Nagoya Diamond Dolphins: The backcourt led the way with composed shot-making and playmaking. Takumi Saito orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing with a team-high 20 points and 7 assists. Scott Eatherton was a force inside, posting 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Yutaro Suda added 15 points, including three important three-pointers in the second half.

Shimane Susanoo Magic: Perrin Buford was Shimane’s most consistent threat, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Seiya Ando chipped in 15 points and 5 assists, and Nick Kay contributed 12 points and 9 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Shimane could not match Nagoya’s efficiency in the closing stages.

B1 League Standings and Season Impact

For Nagoya, this road victory is a meaningful early-season result. It strengthens their position in the B1 League standings and reinforces their credentials as a playoff contender. The D