Takamatsu Five Arrows 86, Yokohama Excellence 83 — The Takamatsu Five Arrows opened their B2 League home account with a hard-fought 86-83 victory over Yokohama Excellence on October 24, 2026, surviving a tense final possession after trailing at halftime.

Match overview

Played at 14:05 at the Five Arrows’ home floor, the contest was close throughout and came down to execution in the final five minutes. Takamatsu trailed 43-41 at the break after a strong second quarter from Yokohama, but the home side reclaimed control with a 24-18 third period and held off a late rally.

• Quarter scores: Takamatsu 22-20, 19-23, 24-18, 21-22
• Halftime: Yokohama led 43-41
• Final: Takamatsu 86, Yokohama 83

Key moments

The game turned in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. With the score tied at 74-74, Takamatsu produced a decisive 7-0 run capped by a corner three-pointer and a transition layup. Yokohama answered with back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit to one, but Takamatsu’s guards converted crucial free throws in the final 20 seconds to protect the win.

Yokohama had one last chance to force overtime, but a contested three-pointer from the wing rimmed out as the buzzer sounded. The result gave Takamatsu an important early-season home win and denied Yokohama a road breakthrough in a game it had led for long stretches.

Tactical story

Takamatsu’s advantage came on the offensive glass and in the paint. The Five Arrows repeatedly attacked the baseline against Yokohama’s compact zone, creating second-chance points and drawing fouls late. Defensively, Takamatsu switched more aggressively in the second half, forcing Yokohama into contested jumpers and limiting clean catch-and-shoot looks from the perimeter.

Yokohama’s half-court offense was at its best when the ball moved through the high post, opening cutters behind the defense. That approach kept the visitors in front for much of the first half, but Takamatsu’s adjustments after halftime made every possession more difficult. The Five Arrows also won the free-throw battle, a detail that proved decisive in a three-point game.

Standout performers

Takamatsu’s starting guard finished with 21 points and six assists, controlling the tempo in the fourth quarter. The import center added 14 points and 11 rebounds, including several key offensive boards. For Yokohama, the leading scorer posted 24 points and 10 rebounds, while the backcourt combined for 11 assists but struggled with turnovers late.

Season impact

The win gives Takamatsu momentum in the B2 League standings and reinforces the value of home-court execution in a competitive early-season schedule. For Yokohama, the loss is a narrow one that will sting, but the performance showed enough offensive balance to suggest the team can compete on the road. The head-to-head result will also matter if the two sides remain close in the table later in the campaign.