Yokohama Excellence won a high-scoring B2 League thriller on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, edging Tachikawa Dice 99-97 in a game that featured 12 lead changes and a tense finish in the final seconds. Both teams shot the ball well and played at a fast pace, but Yokohama’s late defensive stop and clutch free throws made the difference in a matchup that lived up to its billing.

Match overview

The first half was an offensive showcase, with Tachikawa and Yokohama trading baskets from the opening tip. Neither team led by more than six points at any stage, and the game remained within one possession for most of the fourth quarter. Yokohama’s ability to score in the paint and get to the line in the final minutes proved decisive.

• Final score: Tachikawa Dice 97, Yokohama Excellence 99
• Quarter scores: Tachikawa 25-23-24-25; Yokohama 24-26-25-24
• Key stretch: Yokohama’s 26-23 second quarter
• Deciding area: Late defensive stop and free-throw shooting

How Yokohama survived

Yokohama’s offense was balanced and efficient. The Excellence attacked early in the shot clock when the opportunity presented itself, but they also showed patience when Tachikawa switched defenses. Their guards did a good job of probing the lane and kicking out to shooters, while the frontcourt provided a steady stream of second-chance points.

Tachikawa matched Yokohama almost shot for shot. The Dice moved the ball quickly and found open looks from beyond the arc, keeping the pressure on the visitors until the final possession. In the end, however, Tachikawa could not get a clean look at a potential game-tying or game-winning shot.

Key moments

• Tachikawa hit three consecutive three-pointers in the second quarter to take a brief five-point lead.
• Yokohama responded with an 8-2 run before halftime to reclaim momentum.
• The lead changed hands seven times in the fourth quarter alone.
• Yokohama’s go-ahead free throws with 18 seconds left proved to be the winning points.
• Tachikawa’s final three-pointer rimmed out at the buzzer.

Tactical story

Both teams prioritized pace, but the game was decided by half-court execution in the closing minutes. Yokohama used ball screens to force switches and then attacked the mismatch inside, drawing fouls and slowing the game down when it needed to protect a lead. Tachikawa, meanwhile, relied on quick ball movement and three-point shooting to stay in front.

The defensive difference was subtle: Yokohama contested more shots at the rim in the fourth quarter and forced Tachikawa into two crucial turnovers in the final three minutes. Those extra possessions were enough to offset Tachikawa’s hot shooting night.

Standout performers

Yokohama’s Andre Cole delivered a game-high 28 points, including several tough baskets in the fourth quarter. Tachikawa guard Kaito Sasaki scored 26 points and kept the Dice within striking distance with timely three-point shooting. Yokohama’s bench also provided a spark, contributing key defensive minutes and a pair of important second-half baskets.

What it means

For Yokohama, the win is a confidence-booster in a game that could have gone either way. Tachikawa will take encouragement from its offensive performance, but the Dice will rue the missed opportunities and late turnovers that allowed the Excellence to steal the result on the road.