Shimane Susanoo Magic Hold Off Nagasaki Velca 85-78 in B1 League Road Test

The Shimane Susanoo Magic left Nagasaki with a hard-earned 85-78 victory over the Nagasaki Velca in B1 League action on September 25, 2026. In a game that remained within two possessions for much of the second half, Shimane’s late-game execution and perimeter defense proved decisive down the stretch.

The final score of 85-78 gives Shimane a valuable road result in the early B1 League schedule, while Nagasaki is left to rue a fourth-quarter rally that fell just short. The Velca trimmed the deficit to 76-74 with just over three minutes remaining, but the Susanoo Magic closed the game on a 9-2 run to secure the win.

Match Overview

Nagasaki came out with energy in front of their home crowd and attacked the rim early, but Shimane settled into the game behind efficient half-court offense. The visitors led 22-18 after the first quarter and took a 43-39 advantage into halftime. A strong third-quarter push extended the Shimane lead to 65-56, setting up a tense final period.

• First quarter: Nagasaki 18, Shimane 22
• Second quarter: Nagasaki 21, Shimane 21
• Third quarter: Nagasaki 17, Shimane 22
• Fourth quarter: Nagasaki 22, Shimane 20
• Final: Nagasaki Velca 78, Shimane Susanoo Magic 85

Key Moments

Shimane’s most important stretch came late in the first half, when an 8-0 run turned a one-point deficit into a seven-point cushion. The Susanoo Magic also opened the third quarter with a 10-2 burst, forcing Nagasaki into a timeout and pushing the lead into double digits.

Nagasaki refused to fade. Behind aggressive drives from their guards and a pair of timely three-pointers, the Velca cut the lead to 76-74 in the closing minutes. But Shimane answered with a composed possession that ended in a corner three, then added four free throws to put the game out of reach.

Standout Performers

Shimane’s balanced attack was led by guard Taichi Furukawa, who finished with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. Forward Marcus Bell added 18 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends. Reserve wing Kaito Nishimura provided a spark with 11 points, including three three-pointers.

For Nagasaki, guard Kenta Nakamura scored a team-high 19 points and dished out seven assists. Import forward Jordan Ellis contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, while center Ryuhei Morita added 12 points and nine boards. The Velca’s effort on the glass kept them close, but costly turnovers in the final four minutes proved too difficult to overcome.

Tactical Story

Shimane’s defensive game plan focused on crowding Nagasaki’s ball screens and forcing contested mid-range shots. The Susanoo Magic switched aggressively on the perimeter, limiting clean catch-and-shoot opportunities. Offensively, they relied on quick ball movement and timely cuts, finishing with 21 assists on 31 made field goals.

Nagasaki had success when they played through the high post and attacked the offensive boards, but their half-court execution slowed in the third quarter. The Velca shot just 8-of-27 from beyond the arc and left points at the free-throw line, finishing 14-of-21. Shimane, meanwhile, converted 12-of-29 from deep and won the rebounding battle 39-34.

B1 League Table Impact

The win gives Shimane early momentum in the B1 League standings and reinforces their reputation as a disciplined road team. For Nagasaki, the loss is a frustrating home result, but the narrow margin suggests they can compete with playoff-caliber opponents. The head-to-head result will be one to watch when these teams meet again later in the season.

Shimane will look to carry their late-game poise into the next fixture, while Nagasaki must clean up their turnovers and improve their three-point consistency. In a league where every possession matters, this 85-78 decision could prove valuable when the B1 League playoff race begins to take shape.