Hiroshima Dragonflies delivered a statement road performance on October 17, 2026, defeating Altiri Chiba 89-71 in B1 League play. Hiroshima controlled the game from the second quarter onward, using balanced scoring and aggressive defense to hand Chiba a difficult home defeat.

Match overview

The Dragonflies never trailed after halftime and gradually pulled away with a series of runs that exposed Chiba’s half-court offense. Hiroshima led 46-35 at the break and maintained a double-digit advantage for most of the second half. Altiri Chiba struggled to find rhythm against Hiroshima’s switching defense, finishing with just 71 points.

Key moments

The decisive stretch came late in the second quarter. With Hiroshima ahead 36-31, the Dragonflies closed the half on a 10-4 run, capped by a transition dunk and a corner three. That surge gave the visitors a 46-35 halftime lead and forced Chiba to chase the game.

Chiba briefly threatened in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to nine points behind a pair of three-pointers, but Hiroshima answered immediately with an 8-0 run. The Dragonflies’ defense then tightened in the fourth, holding Altiri to 16 points over the final ten minutes to close out the win comfortably.

Tactical story

Hiroshima’s defensive versatility was the story of the game. The Dragonflies switched nearly every screen, disrupted Chiba’s pick-and-roll timing, and forced the home side into contested jump shots. On offense, Hiroshima shared the ball well, generating open looks from the corners and attacking closeouts with purpose.

Altiri Chiba tried to counter with a zone defense in the second half, but Hiroshima’s ball movement and timely three-point shooting kept the pressure on. The Dragonflies also controlled the defensive glass, limiting Chiba’s second-chance points and preventing the home crowd from energizing a comeback.

Standout players

• Ren Kato (Hiroshima): Finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the interior and hitting several important mid-range shots.
• Kaito Yamada (Hiroshima): Added 18 points and 6 assists, orchestrating the offense and breaking down Chiba’s zone.
• Marcus Reed (Hiroshima): Contributed 16 points off the bench, providing a spark in the second and fourth quarters.
• Sota Watanabe (Altiri Chiba): Led Chiba with 17 points, but needed 15 shots to get there.
• Brandon Ashley (Altiri Chiba): Recorded 14 points and 9 rebounds, battling hard inside against Hiroshima’s frontcourt.

B1 League impact

The victory strengthens Hiroshima’s position in the early B1 League standings and signals that the Dragonflies will be a tough road opponent this season. For Altiri Chiba, the loss highlights the need for more consistent half-court execution and better perimeter defense. Chiba will look to regroup quickly, while Hiroshima will aim to carry its defensive intensity into the next round of fixtures.