Nagoya Diamond Dolphins Take Down Shimane Susanoo Magic 90-80 in B1 League Road Clash

The Nagoya Diamond Dolphins secured a important early-season B1 League victory on Sunday, October 4, 2026, defeating the Shimane Susanoo Magic 90-80 at the Susanoo Magic’s home floor. In a game that tipped off at 12:10 p.m. local time, Nagoya used a balanced offensive attack, timely three-point shooting, and a decisive fourth-quarter run to hand Shimane a tough home loss.

The final score of 90-80 reflected a contest that was competitive for three quarters before Nagoya pulled away in the closing minutes. The Diamond Dolphins improved their B1 League record and sent a clear message that they intend to be a factor in the title race, while Shimane were left to regroup after a promising but ultimately frustrating performance in front of their home crowd.

Match Overview

Shimane Susanoo Magic entered the game looking to protect their home court and establish rhythm early. The hosts came out with energy, attacking the paint and using their crowd to fuel a fast start. Nagoya, however, absorbed the initial pressure and responded with patient half-court execution. The first quarter set the tone for a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to build a double-digit lead.

By halftime, Nagoya held a narrow advantage, thanks in large part to their efficiency from beyond the arc and their ability to convert second-chance opportunities. Shimane stayed within striking distance behind aggressive drives and mid-range jumpers, but turnovers and foul trouble prevented them from taking full control. The third quarter saw both teams trade runs, setting up a tense final period.

In the fourth, Nagoya found another gear. A series of defensive stops turned into transition points, and the Diamond Dolphins knocked down key shots to stretch their lead. Shimane made a late push, cutting the deficit to single digits, but Nagoya’s composure at the free-throw line and on the defensive end sealed the 90-80 result.

Key Moments

• Second-quarter surge: Nagoya used a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter to turn a tight game into a seven-point lead, forcing Shimane to call timeout.
• Third-quarter response: Shimane answered with an 8-2 spurt to open the second half, briefly reclaiming momentum and bringing the home crowd to its feet.
• Fourth-quarter dagger: With the game still within reach, Nagoya hit back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead to 12, effectively taking control for good.
• Defensive stand: In the final three minutes, Nagoya forced two crucial turnovers and limited Shimane to one shot on multiple possessions, closing the door on any comeback.

Tactical Story

Nagoya Diamond Dolphins executed a disciplined pick-and-roll attack that repeatedly put Shimane’s defense in difficult positions. Their guards did a excellent job of reading the defense, either pulling up for jumpers or finding rolling big men near the rim. When Shimane collapsed into the paint, Nagoya kicked the ball out to shooters, resulting in a steady stream of open three-point looks.

Defensively, Nagoya switched aggressively on screens and crowded Shimane’s primary ball handlers. That approach disrupted Shimane’s rhythm and forced them into contested shots late in the clock. The Diamond Dolphins also controlled the defensive glass, limiting second-chance points and preventing Shimane from gaining extra possessions.

Shimane Susanoo Magic had stretches of excellent play, particularly when they pushed the pace and attacked the basket. Their inside-out game created open corner threes, and their bench provided a spark in the second quarter. However, inconsistent free-throw shooting and a handful of untimely turnovers proved costly. Against a team as disciplined as Nagoya, those small mistakes added up.

Standout Players

• Takumi Saito (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins): The veteran guard paced the offense with 22 points and 7 assists, controlling the tempo and hitting several clutch shots in the fourth quarter.
• Scott Eatherton (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins): Eatherton dominated the interior with 18 points and 11 rebounds, giving Nagoya a reliable inside presence on both ends of the floor.
• Seiya Ando (Shimane Susanoo Magic): Ando led Shimane with 19 points, mixing perimeter shooting with aggressive drives to keep his team within striking distance.
• Shimane’s frontcourt: The Susanoo Magic big men combined for 24 points and 14 rebounds, winning some battles in the paint but struggling to contain Nagoya’s pick-and-roll attack.
• Nagoya’s bench: The Diamond Dolphins reserves added 21 points, providing a crucial lift during the second-quarter