Kyoto Hannaryz 95, Shiga Lakes 94

The Kyoto Hannaryz survived a thrilling B1 League battle on September 25, 2026, edging the Shiga Lakes 95-94 in a game that came down to the final possession. In front of a raucous home crowd, Kyoto built a double-digit lead in the third quarter, only to see Shiga storm back and take a one-point advantage in the closing minute. A clutch free throw with 4.2 seconds remaining proved to be the difference, and Shiga’s last-second heave fell short, giving the Hannaryz a dramatic one-point victory.

Match Overview

The game was a tale of two contrasting styles. Kyoto relied on ball movement, off-ball screens, and a balanced scoring attack that saw five players finish in double figures. Shiga countered with a more isolation-heavy approach, leaning on their star import guard to create offense off the dribble. Early on, Kyoto’s precision passing carved up Shiga’s defense, and they led 28-22 after the first quarter. The Lakes responded in the second period, using a 10-0 run to briefly take the lead, but Kyoto’s bench provided a spark to send the teams into halftime tied at 49-49.

The third quarter belonged to the Hannaryz. They opened the period with a 14-4 run, fueled by three-pointers from their wings and aggressive offensive rebounding. Kyoto’s lead ballooned to 78-66 with just over two minutes left in the third, and it seemed they might pull away. But Shiga refused to fold. Their defense tightened, forcing Kyoto into contested shots, and their offense found rhythm behind a series of pick-and-roll actions that generated open looks at the rim.

Key Moments

• Kyoto’s third-quarter explosion: A 14-4 run to start the second half gave the Hannaryz their largest lead of the game at 63-53. The run was capped by a corner three from Kyoto’s power forward.
• Shiga’s comeback: Trailing 85-74 early in the fourth, the Lakes went on a 16-4 run over the next five minutes, taking a 90-89 lead on a step-back three from their import guard.
• Clutch free throws: With the score tied at 94-94 and 4.2 seconds left, Kyoto’s point guard was fouled on a drive. He made the first free throw, missed the second intentionally, and Shiga’s half-court attempt at the buzzer rimmed out.
• Defensive stop: On Shiga’s penultimate possession, Kyoto’s center switched onto the Lakes’ guard and forced a tough, contested fadeaway that missed badly, setting up the final sequence.

Tactical Story

Kyoto’s offense was a clinic in ball movement. They recorded 26 assists on 36 made field goals, constantly finding the open man against Shiga’s switching defense. The Hannaryz used high-post handoffs and backdoor cuts to keep the Lakes off balance, and their big men were effective passers out of the short roll. Defensively, Kyoto mixed up their coverages, alternating between drop coverage and hedging on ball screens to keep Shiga’s guards guessing. The strategy worked for three quarters, but Shiga’s isolation scoring kept them within reach.

Shiga’s attack was more straightforward: get the ball to their best players and let them create. Their import guard was virtually unstoppable in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his game-high 31 points in the final period. The Lakes also dominated the offensive glass in the second half, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds and scoring 15 second-chance points. However, their half-court defense struggled to contain Kyoto’s cutters, and they allowed too many open threes in transition. In the end, a single free throw made the difference in a game that featured 18 lead changes.

Standout Players

Kyoto’s point guard was the engine of the offense, finishing with 19 points, 11 assists, and only 2 turnovers. He controlled the pace, made smart decisions in pick-and-roll situations, and hit the game-winning free throw. The Hannaryz’s power forward added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while their shooting guard chipped in 17 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Off the bench, a rookie forward provided a crucial 12 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes, giving Kyoto a much-needed lift when their starters rested.

For Shiga, the import guard was spectacular, pouring in 31 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 5 three-pointers. He also added 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Their center was a force inside with 16 points and 14 rebounds, but he fouled out with 1:30 remaining, leaving the Lakes vulnerable at the rim on the final possession. Shiga’s small forward contributed 15 points, but he shot just 5-of-14 from the field and missed a key open look in the final minute.

B1 League Standings and Season Impact

The win moves Kyoto to 3-1 on the season, keeping them in the upper tier of the B1 League standings. Their balanced attack and clutch execution have been hallmarks of their early success, and