Chiba Jets Use Third-Quarter Surge to Beat Saga Ballooners 111-103

The Chiba Jets defeated the Saga Ballooners 111-103 in a B1 League road game on November 8, 2026, using a decisive third-quarter run to create enough separation for a hard-fought victory. In a matchup featuring 214 combined points, Chiba’s perimeter shooting and late-game composure proved too much for Saga to overcome.

Saga stayed within reach for much of the contest and made a serious push in the fourth quarter, but the Jets answered with timely baskets whenever the Ballooners threatened to complete the comeback.

Match Overview

Chiba opened with a 28-25 first-quarter lead and maintained a narrow advantage at halftime, 54-52. The Jets then created the game’s defining gap in the third quarter, outscoring Saga 30-24 to take an 84-76 lead into the final period. Saga fought back in the fourth, but Chiba matched them point for point down the stretch.

• Q1: Chiba 28-25
• Q2: Chiba 26-27
• Halftime: Chiba 54-52
• Q3: Chiba 30-24
• Q4: 27-27
• Final: Chiba 111, Saga 103

The Jets’ balanced scoring made them difficult to defend. Chiba had multiple players contribute in double figures and shot the ball well from beyond the arc, while Saga relied heavily on its interior scoring and free-throw attempts to stay close.

Key Moments

The third quarter was where the game turned. With Chiba leading 56-54 early in the period, the Jets went on a 10-0 run over the next two minutes, forcing Saga into a timeout. The burst featured two three-pointers and a fast-break dunk, silencing the home crowd and pushing Chiba’s lead into double digits.

Saga responded with a 9-2 run of its own to close the third quarter, cutting the deficit to eight. In the fourth, the Ballooners trimmed the lead to three points on a corner three with just over three minutes remaining, but Chiba answered with a calm half-court possession that ended in a mid-range jumper. The Jets then converted key free throws in the final minute to seal the win.

Tactical Story

Chiba’s three-point shooting was the standout tactical factor. The Jets spaced the floor effectively and punished Saga’s help defense with quick ball reversals. When Saga collapsed into the paint, Chiba’s shooters made them pay from the perimeter.

Saga’s offense was most effective when it played inside-out. The Ballooners attacked the offensive glass and generated second-chance points, but their late turnovers and missed free throws limited their comeback. Defensively, Saga struggled to contain Chiba’s dribble penetration, which created open looks on the perimeter.

Standout Performers

Chiba’s lead guard controlled the game with 27 points and eight assists, hitting several important shots in the second half. The Jets’ forward added 20 points and 10 rebounds, providing a steady interior presence. A Chiba bench guard contributed 14 points, including two crucial fourth-quarter three-pointers.

For Saga, the starting forward recorded 25 points and nine rebounds, keeping the Ballooners within striking distance. Saga’s point guard added 18 points and seven assists, but the home side could not get enough stops during Chiba’s decisive third-quarter run.

B1 League Impact

The road win strengthens Chiba’s position in the B1 League standings and highlights the Jets’ ability to close out high-scoring games. For Saga, the loss is a frustrating one because the Ballooners competed well for long stretches and had chances to make it a one-possession game late. Chiba’s third-quarter surge and late execution ultimately made the difference in a game that showcased the offensive quality of the B1 League.