Earth Friends Tokyo Z Hold Off Tachikawa Dice 79-73 in B2 League Tokyo Derby

Earth Friends Tokyo Z opened their B2 League campaign with a hard-fought 79-73 home victory over Tachikawa Dice on Saturday, September 26, 2026. In a Tokyo derby that stayed close deep into the fourth quarter, Tokyo Z used timely defense, balanced scoring, and a decisive late run to protect their home floor and secure an important early-season result.

The final score of 79-73 reflects just how competitive the contest was. Tachikawa Dice kept the game within a single possession for much of the second half, but Earth Friends Tokyo Z made the bigger plays down the stretch, closing out the win with free throws and stops when it mattered most.

Match Overview

Played at Ota City General Gymnasium, the game pitted two Tokyo-based clubs with plenty of local pride on the line. Earth Friends Tokyo Z came out with energy in front of their home supporters, while Tachikawa Dice settled into the game through patient half-court execution and aggressive guard play.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Tokyo Z led 20-17 after the opening quarter, but Tachikawa responded with a stronger second period to head into halftime trailing by just two points. The pace slowed in the third quarter as both teams increased their defensive pressure, and Tokyo Z managed to create a small cushion before sealing the game in the final minutes.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Tokyo Z’s ability to win both the first and third quarters gave them the edge. Tachikawa Dice stayed within striking distance by winning the second period and matching Tokyo Z for long stretches in the fourth, but they could not complete the comeback.

Key Moments That Decided the Game

• Fast start for Tokyo Z: The hosts opened with an 8-2 burst, setting the tone with transition baskets and early inside touches.
• Tachikawa’s response: Dice answered with a 10-0 run in the first half, briefly taking control and forcing Tokyo Z to adjust their defensive matchups.
• Third-quarter separation: Tokyo Z began the second half with an 11-2 run, turning a two-point halftime lead into a more comfortable advantage.
• Late-game execution: After Tachikawa cut the deficit to 68-66 in the fourth, Tokyo Z responded with a 9-2 run capped by a corner three and two free throws.
• Final defensive stand: With under a minute remaining, Tokyo Z forced a contested miss and secured the rebound, effectively ending Tachikawa’s hopes.

Tactical Story: Defense and Rebounding

Earth Friends Tokyo Z won this game in the paint and on the glass. Their defensive rotations were sharp enough to contest Tachikawa’s perimeter shooters, and their big men controlled the defensive boards to limit second-chance opportunities. Tokyo Z finished with a narrow rebounding advantage and blocked several shots near the rim, forcing Tachikawa to settle for tougher finishes.

Tachikawa Dice stayed in the game with quick ball movement and timely three-point shooting. Their guards attacked off ball screens and found open cutters, but Tokyo Z’s help defense recovered well in the second half. The Dice also struggled with turnovers at key moments, especially in the third quarter when Tokyo Z made their decisive run.

Offensively, Tokyo Z shared the ball effectively and attacked the basket with purpose. They did not rely on a single scorer, which made them difficult to defend. When Tachikawa focused on stopping the interior, Tokyo Z kicked the ball out for open jumpers. When the Dice closed out hard, Tokyo Z drove baseline and drew fouls.

Standout Performers

• Riku Sasaki (Earth Friends Tokyo Z): Led the home side with 18 points and 6 assists, controlling the tempo in the fourth quarter.
• Jordan Fields (Earth Friends Tokyo Z): Added 16 points and 11 rebounds, delivering a double-double and several momentum-changing baskets.
• Kenta Morimoto (Earth Friends Tokyo Z): Finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, anchoring the defense inside.
• Shota Kano (Tachikawa Dice): Scored a game-high 20 points and kept Dice within reach with tough shot-making.
• Daiki Tanabe (Tachikawa Dice): Contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Marcus Reed added 12 poin