Ehime Orange Vikings edged out the Yamagata Wyverns in a nail-biting 67-65 B2 League contest at home on Sunday. In a low-scoring, defensive battle, the Orange Vikings made the crucial plays in the final minute to snatch a vital victory in their pursuit of promotion. The game was characterized by physical defense and poor shooting from both sides, resulting in a first half that ended with Ehime holding a slight lead. The third quarter saw Yamagata find their rhythm, taking a brief lead as their interior players began to score effectively. The final period was a tense affair, with neither team able to build more than a four-point advantage. With the score tied at 65-65 and under a minute remaining, Ehime's veteran guard drove the lane and drew a foul, sinking both free throws to put the Orange Vikings ahead for good. Yamagata had a chance to tie or win on the final possession, but a contested jump shot rimmed out as time expired. The focus point of the match was the defensive effort from both teams, with numerous shot clock violations and forced turnovers. Ehime's center was a dominant force on the glass, securing key rebounds in the closing moments. This narrow win provides a significant boost to Ehime Orange Vikings' points total as they jockey for position in the crowded B2 League promotion race, while Yamagata's heartbreaking loss is a setback in their own playoff aspirations. The Ehime coach highlighted his team's resilience, and the Yamagata coach lamented the missed opportunities in the paint. The Orange Vikings started with a mix of youth and experience in their lineup, while the Wyverns countered with their athletic wing players.