B2 Fukuoka | Back-and-forth battle ends in defeat after late-game perimeter onslaught

The Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2025-26 season game held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, between the Rising Zephyr Fukuoka and the Kobe Storks ended in a 72-82 defeat for Fukuoka. 【Match Results】 【Fukuoka】72-82【Kobe】 1Q 18-18 2Q 16-19 3Q 18-18 4Q 20-27 【Game Review】 ＜First Half＞ Fukuoka challenged Kobe, who were on the verge of clinching the West Division title. Early in the game, Fukuoka allowed a 3-pointer to Kobe's #12 Kimura, but #8 Aoki responded in the paint. Despite struggling against Kobe's pressure defense, #7 Nishikawa confidently sank an outside shot when open. #30 Woodbury followed with an outside shot and completed a 4-point play after being fouled. However, Kobe maintained control with consecutive 3-pointers from #90 Nomizo, #8 Hachimura, and #33 Sasakura. The first 10 minutes ended in a deadlock. Fukuoka took the lead as #33 Kato and #10 Sun calmly sank 3-pointers, and Woodbury added points in the paint. Kobe, however, fought back in the paint, refusing to let the momentum slip. Although Fukuoka looked to take control with the coordination between #24 Burrell and #34 Aguilar, turnovers cost them their rhythm. Kobe then took the lead with a 3-pointer from #32 May. Fukuoka stayed in the game by converting free throws, but a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Sasakura left Fukuoka trailing by 3 points at halftime. ＜Second Half＞ Fueled by the arena's energy from the buzzer-beater, #30 Kaneda hit a 3-pointer to extend Kobe's lead. Kobe capitalized with a paint attack from Kimura to seize control. Fukuoka fought back with 3-pointers from #0 Aida and Aguilar. #32 Kano and Nishikawa added outside shots to finally tie the game. However, Kobe responded with Kimura's third 3-pointer of the night. The game entered the final quarter with a one-possession difference. Trailing by 3 points in the 4th quarter, Woodbury scored from inside and out to take the lead, but Kobe countered with #23 Childs in the paint. As Woodbury sank his fourth 3-pointer, May immediately answered for Kobe, leading to a back-and-forth battle. Despite Burrell's persistent scoring inside, Nomizo broke free from Fukuoka's defense to hit a 3-pointer, putting Kobe back in front. In a tense, one-possession game, Kobe pulled away with perimeter shots from Kimura and Kaneda. With 1:10 remaining, Kaneda hit his fifth 3-pointer, extending the lead to double digits. Fukuoka continued to attack until the end, but their rally fell short. As the arena erupted in celebration of Kobe's West Division title, Fukuoka was left to reflect on the bitter defeat. 【Comments】 Head Coach Masato Fukushima There were few instances today where our game plan was poor or poorly executed. However, Kobe effectively hit 3-pointers off second-chance opportunities, particularly from Kimura. Kobe had 18 offensive rebounds to our 7, which is their strength. There was also a 9-turnover difference, which was a factor in being pushed back at the end. In the final moments, Kaneda hit his shots, while we were unable to convert into inside scoring because Woodbury was being heavily guarded.