Hiroshima Dragonflies outlasted Shiga Lakes 111-105 in a thrilling B1 League shootout on Saturday, 10 October 2026, delivering one of the most entertaining offensive performances of the young season in front of a lively home crowd.

The game featured 216 combined points, 15 lead changes and a fourth quarter that turned into a pure shot-making duel. Hiroshima's ability to score efficiently in the half court late, combined with timely defensive stops in the final three minutes, secured a statement win in Japan's top basketball division.

Match Overview

• Competition: B1 League (Japan B.League Division 1)
• Fixture: Hiroshima Dragonflies vs Shiga Lakes
• Date: 10 October 2026, 13:05 tip-off
• Venue: Hiroshima Sun Plaza
• Final Score: Hiroshima Dragonflies 111 – 105 Shiga Lakes
• Result: Home win

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

How the Game Was Won

Hiroshima came out firing, scoring 28 points in the opening quarter behind sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive rim attacks. Their spacing was excellent from the opening tip, with shooters positioned deep on the wings and big men screening at the top of the key to create driving lanes. A 30-point second quarter — their best of the game — pushed the lead into double digits and forced Shiga into an early timeout.

Shiga responded like a team determined not to be blown out. Their 29-point third quarter clawed the deficit back to a single possession, driven by a relentless offensive rebounding effort and a series of tough, contested finishes in the paint. The Lakes' guards repeatedly broke down Hiroshima's first line of defense, drawing help and finding open shooters on the weak side.

The fourth quarter became a genuine shootout, with both teams trading baskets over a frenetic six-minute stretch. Hiroshima's answer came through execution in the half court: patient ball reversal, a well-timed pick-and-roll attack, and free throws when Shiga was forced to foul. A clutch defensive stop with under 90 seconds remaining, followed by a transition basket, effectively sealed the win.

Tactical Story

This was a game played at high tempo, but it was won with half-court discipline. Hiroshima's offense generated a healthy balance of paint touches and three-point attempts, forcing Shiga's defense to make difficult choices all afternoon. When the Lakes collapsed on the ball, Hiroshima's shooters made them pay; when they stayed home, the Dragonflies attacked the rim.

Shiga's own offense was highly effective — 105 points on the road is a strong return — but their defensive rebounding and transition defense let them down in crucial moments. Hiroshima's ability to score before the defense was set, particularly in the second quarter, provided the cushion that ultimately decided the game.

Bench contributions also mattered. Hiroshima's second unit maintained the offensive flow without a significant drop-off, while Shiga were forced to lean heavily on their starters for long stretches, which showed in the closing minutes on the defensive end.

Standout Performers

• Jalen Bradford (Hiroshima): The offensive centerpiece of the night, scoring from all three levels and drawing defensive attention that opened up the floor for his teammates.
• Sota Higashino (Hiroshima): A composed performance in the backcourt, controlling tempo in the fourth quarter and knocking down crucial free throws.
• Kenta Moriyama (Hiroshima): Provided interior scoring and a strong presence on the defensive glass during the decisive final stretch.
• Terrell Groce (Shiga): Nearly unstoppable at times, carrying the Lakes' offense with a high-volume, high-efficiency scoring night.
• Haruto Nishikawa (Shiga): Sparked the third-quarter comeback with aggressive drives and timely three-point shooting.

B1 League Standings and Season Impact

In the B1 League, where every win carries weight in the race for playoff seeding, a 111-point home victory is a meaningful statement. Hiroshima Dragonflies showed they can win both with defense and in a track meet, a versatility that matters over a long season. This result also gives them an early head-to-head advantage over a Shiga Lakes side that will be competing for similar positioning.

The Dragonflies' scoring depth is particularly encouraging —