Levanga Hokkaido fall to San-en NeoPhoenix in 110-96 shootout

The San-en NeoPhoenix continued their impressive scoring form on Wednesday, defeating Levanga Hokkaido 110-96 at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center. In a game that featured fast breaks, quick possessions, and little defensive resistance, the NeoPhoenix pulled away in the second half to secure a valuable road win in the B1 League.

Match overview

Both teams came out firing, combining for 54 points in the first quarter alone. San-en led 30-24 after ten minutes and maintained a slim cushion throughout the first half. The NeoPhoenix then exploded for 27 points in the third quarter, turning a seven-point halftime lead into a 15-point advantage entering the final period.

• Q1: Hokkaido 24, San-en 30
• Q2: Hokkaido 25, San-en 28
• Q3: Hokkaido 22, San-en 27
• Q4: Hokkaido 25, San-en 25
• Final: Hokkaido 96, San-en 110

Key moments

The turning point came early in the third quarter. With San-en leading 58-51, the NeoPhoenix went on a 12-2 run over three minutes, highlighted by a pair of transition dunks and a deep three-pointer from the top of the key. Levanga called timeout, but the momentum had already shifted. Hokkaido would get no closer than nine points the rest of the way.

Tactical story

San-en’s offense was a model of efficiency. The NeoPhoenix shot 52% from the field, 41% from three-point range, and committed only nine turnovers. They also won the rebound battle 44-36, generating second-chance opportunities that repeatedly punished Hokkaido’s defense. Levanga, by contrast, struggled to contain dribble penetration and was forced into 14 turnovers, which San-en converted into 21 points.

Standout players

NeoPhoenix guard Ryusei Sasaki was brilliant, scoring 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting and dishing out seven assists. Import forward Devin Williams added 22 points and 12 rebounds, while veteran swingman Takuya Nakayama chipped in 16 points off the bench. For Levanga, Keisuke Minami led the way with 21 points, and big man Kenta Yamada recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to keep pace.

Season impact

San-en improves to 8-6 and has now won three consecutive games, building momentum as the B1 League schedule intensifies. Levanga Hokkaido falls to 4-10 and remains in search of consistency on the defensive end. The NeoPhoenix’s high-octane attack will be tested in their next outing, but for now, they look like one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league.