San-en NeoPhoenix escaped with a 91-89 B1 League road win over the Kobe Storks on October 24, 2026, in a game that remained tense until the final possession. The NeoPhoenix made the bigger plays in the closing minutes, while Kobe’s late rally fell just short in front of their home crowd.

Game at a glance

• Final score: Kobe Storks 89, San-en NeoPhoenix 91
• League: B1 League
• Date: October 24, 2026
• Quarter scores: Kobe 24-22-19-24; San-en 22-22-25-22
• Halftime: Kobe 46, San-en 44

Match overview

Kobe started with good energy, attacking the paint and using their size to create second-chance opportunities. The Storks led 46-44 at halftime after a balanced first half, but San-en stayed within reach by knocking down timely perimeter shots and avoiding the kind of turnover run that could have let the game slip away.

The third quarter changed the rhythm. San-en tightened its defense, pushed the ball in transition, and outscored Kobe 25-19 to take a 69-65 lead into the final period. Kobe responded with a determined fourth-quarter push, tying the game late and forcing San-en to execute under pressure.

Key moments

The decisive sequence came in the final minute. With the score tied, San-en created a good look at the rim and converted to regain the lead. Kobe had a chance to answer on the other end, but a contested shot missed and San-en secured the rebound. A free throw extended the advantage to 91-89, leaving Kobe with one last possession. The Storks got a decent look from beyond the arc, but the shot rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.

San-en’s poise at the free-throw line and their ability to force a difficult final shot proved to be the difference. Kobe won the rebounding battle for much of the night, but San-en’s late execution in half-court situations gave them the edge.

Tactical story

Kobe’s game plan centered on interior scoring and offensive rebounding. The Storks repeatedly worked the ball into the post and used dribble penetration to collapse the defense. That approach kept them in front for much of the first half, but it also slowed their pace and allowed San-en to set its half-court defense in the fourth quarter.

San-en preferred a quicker style, looking for early three-point attempts and driving closeouts. The NeoPhoenix did not shoot at an extraordinary rate, but they took advantage of the moments when Kobe’s help defense arrived late. Their ball movement in the third quarter was the best stretch of the game, and it gave them the cushion they needed to survive Kobe’s final push.

Standout performers

San-en’s leading perimeter scorer finished with 24 points, including several important baskets in the third quarter. Their primary ball handler added 11 points and seven assists, controlling the tempo and making good decisions late. Kobe’s interior anchor was excellent in defeat, recording 22 points and 12 rebounds while battling on both ends. The Storks also received a strong contribution from their backcourt, which combined for 27 points and kept the offense organized.

What it means

The win gives San-en a valuable road result in the B1 League standings and reinforces their ability to close out tight games. For Kobe, the loss is a frustrating one because they controlled long stretches of the first half and had a chance to win at the end. The Storks will take encouragement from their rebounding and inside scoring, but they will need cleaner late-game execution in similar situations going forward.