Hiroshima Dragonflies grind past Nagasaki Velca 80-73

The Hiroshima Dragonflies protected home court on Friday night, defeating the Nagasaki Velca 80-73 in a hard-fought B1 League encounter at the Hiroshima Green Arena. In a game defined by defense and physicality, Hiroshima's ability to manufacture points late proved the difference.

The win improves Hiroshima's record in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested B1 season, while Nagasaki leave frustrated after a performance that kept them competitive for long stretches without ever quite taking control.

Match Overview

• Final score: Hiroshima Dragonflies 80 – 73 Nagasaki Velca
• Competition: B1 League, 2026-27 regular season
• Tip-off: 18:05, November 6, 2026
• Result: Hiroshima win by 7 points

This was not a night for offensive fireworks. Both teams defended with intensity, contests at the rim were frequent, and the scoreline stayed close through three quarters. The Dragonflies eventually pulled away thanks to a decisive run early in the fourth.

Key Moments

With the score tied at 58 entering the final period, Hiroshima opened the fourth with a 12-3 burst. The run featured a pair of three-pointers and a momentum-shifting block that ignited the home crowd. Nagasaki called timeout, but the visitors struggled to recover their offensive rhythm.

The Velca trimmed the deficit to four with under two minutes to play, only for Hiroshima to convert a crucial offensive rebound into a put-back basket. From there, the Dragonflies managed the clock effectively and sealed the result at the free-throw line.

Tactical Story

Hiroshima's defensive identity was on full display. They protected the paint with disciplined help rotations, contested every perimeter look and forced Nagasaki into a number of late-clock heaves. Their rebounding advantage was significant, and it underpinned their fourth-quarter control.

Offensively, Hiroshima played through their big men, using high-low actions to generate efficient looks close to the basket. Nagasaki, by contrast, were overly reliant on individual shot creation and lacked the ball movement needed to break down a set defense.

Standout Performers

Hiroshima's import big man was the game's most influential player, controlling the glass and scoring efficiently in the paint. Their point guard added composure in the backcourt, while the defensive energy from the wing rotation set the tone on a night when stops were precious.

Nagasaki's best moments came from their shooting guard, who kept his team in touch with a series of tough finishes. Their centre competed admirably inside, but foul trouble limited his impact in the fourth quarter.

Season Impact

For Hiroshima, this is a solid, professional win that keeps them moving in the right direction in the B1 standings. Nagasaki will see this as a missed opportunity on the road, but their defensive effort suggests they will remain competitive in the games ahead. Both clubs now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures with plenty to build on.