Ryukyu Golden Kings held off a determined Gunma Crane Thunders side 93-85 in B1 League play on October 23, 2026, at the Okinawa Arena. The win improved Ryukyu to 6-1 on the season, while Gunma dropped to 3-4 after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful comeback attempt.

Match overview

Ryukyu set the tone early with crisp ball movement and aggressive transition play. The hosts led 24-21 after the first quarter and extended the margin to 49-41 at halftime. Gunma responded with a strong third quarter, cutting the deficit to four, but Ryukyu’s poise in the final five minutes sealed the result. Quarter scores were 24-21, 25-20, 20-24 and 24-20.

The Golden Kings finished with five players in double figures, underscoring their depth and unselfishness. Gunma, meanwhile, leaned heavily on its backcourt but struggled to contain Ryukyu’s inside-out attack for long stretches.

Key moments

Gunma’s best chance came midway through the fourth quarter. Trailing 79-75, they forced a turnover and had a transition opportunity to cut the lead to two, but a contested layup rimmed out. Ryukyu immediately answered with a three-pointer from Riku Tanaka and a put-back dunk from Mamadou Diop, pushing the lead back to nine with under three minutes remaining.

The first-half run that gave Ryukyu control was equally important. A 10-0 surge late in the second quarter, capped by a Shota Hirai corner three, turned a one-point game into a double-digit cushion. Gunma never fully recovered from that burst, though they competed until the final buzzer.

Tactical story

Ryukyu’s offensive execution was built on quick decisions and precise screening. They shot 12-of-28 from beyond the arc and generated 14 offensive rebounds, repeatedly extending possessions. Diop’s presence on the glass forced Gunma to collapse inside, which opened driving lanes for Tanaka and Hirai.

Gunma used a zone defense in the third quarter to slow the pace, and it worked for a stretch. Ryukyu turned the ball over five times in that period, allowing Gunma to climb back into the game. However, Ryukyu adjusted by attacking the middle of the zone with high-post touches, and the hosts reclaimed control in the fourth.

Standout players

• Mamadou Diop (Ryukyu): 22 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, dominating the paint.
• Riku Tanaka (Ryukyu): 18 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds, orchestrating the offense.
• Shota Hirai (Ryukyu): 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range.
• Trey Jones (Gunma): 25 points and 6 rebounds, keeping his team within reach.
• Kaito Yamamoto (Gunma): 16 points and 5 assists, providing secondary scoring.

Season impact

Ryukyu’s strong start has them near the top of the B1 League standings, and their balanced attack looks capable of sustaining success. The Golden Kings have won three straight and appear to be finding rhythm on both ends. Gunma remains a dangerous opponent, but close losses like this one have kept them from climbing the table. Their next stretch of games will be crucial for building momentum in the competitive B1 League playoff race.