Shimane Susanoo Magic 76, Sendai 89ers 87 — The Sendai 89ers earned an impressive 87-76 road win over the Shimane Susanoo Magic in B1 League play on Friday, November 13, 2026, using a balanced attack and a decisive third-quarter run to take control.

Match overview

Sendai set the tone early with active defense and quick ball movement, taking a 22-18 lead after the first quarter and a 43-38 advantage into halftime. Shimane stayed within striking distance behind its interior scoring and offensive rebounding, but the 89ers always seemed to have an answer.

The third quarter proved to be the difference. Sendai outscored Shimane 23-19 in the period, pushing the lead to nine entering the fourth. Shimane made a final push in the closing minutes, but Sendai’s composure at the free-throw line and its ability to slow the game down sealed the result.

Key moments

The game’s defining stretch came midway through the third quarter. With Sendai leading 51-47, the 89ers produced a 10-0 run fueled by two three-pointers and a steal that led to an easy transition basket. That burst forced Shimane to call timeout and altered the momentum for good.

Shimane cut the deficit to six early in the fourth, but Sendai responded with a patient half-court possession that ended in an offensive rebound and a corner three. The Susanoo Magic never got closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Tactical story

Sendai’s defensive game plan focused on crowding Shimane’s post touches and forcing the Susanoo Magic to beat them from the perimeter. The 89ers rotated well on the weak side and contested three-point attempts, while their guards applied enough pressure to disrupt entry passes.

On offense, Sendai shared the ball effectively and attacked closeouts. The 89ers generated quality looks from beyond the arc and also punished Shimane on the offensive glass in key moments. Shimane’s half-court offense became too predictable in the second half, relying on individual drives rather than consistent ball movement.

Standout performers

• Sendai’s backcourt: Combined for 34 points and controlled the tempo in the fourth quarter.
• Rashawn Thomas (Sendai): 22 points and 9 rebounds, providing a steady interior presence.
• Nick Kay (Shimane): 16 points and 10 rebounds in a hard-working performance.
• Shimane’s perimeter rotation: Struggled to contain Sendai’s dribble penetration in the third quarter.

Season impact

The road victory is a meaningful one for Sendai in the B1 League standings, showing the 89ers can execute against a strong home side. Shimane will need to review its third-quarter execution and perimeter defense before the next fixture. The result adds another competitive entry to the B1 League results list and gives Sendai valuable momentum in the early part of the campaign.