Hiroshima Dragonflies Hold Off San-en NeoPhoenix in 77-75 Thriller

The Hiroshima Dragonflies survived a tense B1 League battle on Monday, October 19, 2026, edging the San-en NeoPhoenix 77-75 in Hiroshima. A game that featured multiple lead changes and neither team pulling away for long was decided in the final possession, with Hiroshima’s defense making the decisive stop.

Hiroshima improved its early-season positioning with the narrow home win, while San-en left frustrated after another close game slipped away in the closing seconds. The two-point margin underlined how little separated the teams across 40 minutes.

Match Overview

San-en started brightly and led 21-20 after the first quarter, using quick ball movement and aggressive drives to keep Hiroshima’s defense off balance. Hiroshima responded in the second period, tightening the paint and getting timely baskets in transition to take a 39-37 lead into halftime.

The third quarter remained a possession-by-possession affair. Neither side led by more than six points, and the game entered the fourth quarter tied at 58-58. From there, it became a test of execution, free-throw discipline and late-game decision-making.

• Q1: Hiroshima 20, San-en 21
• Q2: Hiroshima 19, San-en 16
• Q3: Hiroshima 19, San-en 19
• Q4: Hiroshima 20, San-en 19

Key Moments

The final two minutes produced the game’s most important sequences. San-en took a one-point lead on a driving layup with just over a minute remaining, but Hiroshima answered through a composed pick-and-roll that ended with a go-ahead jumper from guard Daichi Sato with 21 seconds left.

San-en had a chance to win it, but Hiroshima’s help defense forced a contested three-pointer at the buzzer. The rebound was secured, and the Dragonflies closed out a victory that was as much about poise as shot-making.

Tactical Story

Hiroshima’s half-court offense was patient and efficient when it mattered. The Dragonflies repeatedly used high screens to create driving lanes, then made the extra pass when San-en’s defense collapsed. They also won the free-throw battle, converting 15 of 18 attempts compared with San-en’s less efficient night at the line.

San-en’s defense was active and forced several turnovers, but the NeoPhoenix struggled to contain Hiroshima’s second-half inside scoring. On offense, San-en relied heavily on isolation plays late, and that predictability made life easier for Hiroshima’s late-game defense.

Standout Performers

Daichi Sato led Hiroshima with 18 points, including the decisive jumper, and added five assists. Forward Takumi Arai contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while Hiroshima’s bench provided a valuable spark in the second quarter. San-en’s Kazuma Ito paced the visitors with 22 points, but his missed attempt at the buzzer summed up a frustrating finish.

Season Impact

The win is a confidence booster for Hiroshima, especially in a B1 League race where close games often shape the standings. San-en, meanwhile, will take encouragement from the fight but must improve its late-game execution. In a competition defined by fine margins, the NeoPhoenix cannot afford many more two-point defeats.