B2 Fukuoka | Yielding to a late surge after taking the lead, a frustrating defeat in front of a large crowd

The Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2025-26 season match held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, between [Rising Zephyr Fukuoka vs. Kumamoto Volters] resulted in a defeat for Fukuoka, with a score of “Fukuoka 80-82 Kumamoto”.

[Match Results]

[Fukuoka] 80-82 [Kumamoto]

1st Quarter 25-17

2nd Quarter 21-18

3rd Quarter 17-17

4th Quarter 17-30

[Match Report]

The Kyushu Derby against Kumamoto was held at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center for the first time. Fukuoka challenged the match with “ONE FUKUOKA” in their hearts, determined not to lose. From the start, both teams displayed fierce defense. #8 Aoki broke the deadlock with a 3-point shot, followed by #24 Burrell with a jumper and #0 Aida from outside. After #88 Echenique was benched due to foul trouble, Aida created an opportunity with his own steal and once again hit an outside shot. Following this momentum, #7 Nishikawa also scored, quickly establishing a 10-point lead. While intensifying their outside attack, #34 Aguilar showed his presence inside, adding depth to the offense. However, Kumamoto gradually shifted their offensive gear, launching a counterattack centered on their scoring leader, #1 Alkins. Nevertheless, Fukuoka maintained an 8-point lead to end the first 10 minutes. The excitement of over 6,200 spectators spread to the players, leading to continuous thrilling moments, but Fukuoka's high-percentage 3-point shots and focused defense forced Kumamoto into 7 turnovers, allowing them to make a start as planned.

The 2nd quarter began with Kumamoto scoring consecutive points, gradually narrowing the gap. However, the collaboration between Burrell and #30 Woodberry once again brought the momentum back to Fukuoka. Both continued to show strength inside, adding points and maintaining the lead. Although Kumamoto made two 3-point shots, Fukuoka responded with focused and intense defense, extending their lead to 11 points by halftime.

Continuing with intense defense from the first half, Fukuoka allowed Kumamoto to score, and the momentum seemed to shift. However, consecutive 3-point shots from Nishikawa and Aguilar instantly raised the atmosphere in the arena, bringing the momentum back. Woodberry scored crucial points, and #32 Karino's outside shots were also effective, allowing Fukuoka to maintain their lead. But Kumamoto also showed great focus and a strong comeback with consecutive 3-point shots from #17 Sawabe, leading to a tangled final quarter.

Entering the 4th quarter with an 11-point lead. Alkins took control inside, scoring points, and a crucial steal further eroded Fukuoka's lead. After an urgent timeout to regroup, Nishikawa sank his third 3-point shot of the day. However, Kumamoto responded with an outside shot from #11 Ishikawa, refusing to give in. Furthermore, fouls accumulated for Fukuoka, narrowing the gap to just one point in the face of Kumamoto's fierce pursuit. In the subsequent play, #31 Yamada made a 3-point shot, taking the lead for the first time in the game. Nevertheless, Fukuoka reclaimed the lead with a jumper from Murakami and an outside shot from Nishikawa, but immediately conceded a basket count to Echenique, bringing the game to a tie. As the intense battle continued, with 1 minute and 4 seconds remaining, Nishikawa sank a tough 3-point shot, his fifth of the day, giving his team the lead at a critical moment. Fukuoka reached five team fouls, granting free throws, but the cheers of 6,200 spectators filled the arena, seemingly dulling Kumamoto's success rate. However, a regrettable foul allowed a reversal of the lead, and with 1.5 seconds remaining and trailing by 3 points. Woodberry earned three free throws, but the ball bounced off the rim, failing to tie the game. Fukuoka was unable to stop the surging Kumamoto, who were on a winning streak, and fell short in front of a large crowd.

[Comments]

Masato Fukushima, Head Coach

Naturally, I believe everyone, including the fans and us on the field, had a singular desire to win today's match. However, in the second half, our offensive execution deteriorated, leading to a base-down, 10 turnovers, 2 technical fouls, and unnecessary situations like the opponent getting a bonus after we scored.

To win playoff-like games such as today's, it's crucial how the players overcome these aspects. While we had a slightly high 7 turnovers in the first half, it increased to 10 in the second half, and the opponent's pass break points, which were 10 in the first half, did not drop in the second, reaching 12. I believe this was a major factor that made the game development difficult for us.

Ultimately, we couldn't finish our shots, while the opponent scored, and we couldn't make ours, which was disappointing overall. The players must be frustrated, and the coaching staff feels the same way. We had a clear idea of the best actions against Kumamoto, but allowing them to create a 13-point deficit in the second half was, I believe, the biggest factor.

However, it's not over yet. I believe our real last chance will be the next two matches against Kagoshima. We have no choice but to keep winning, and we want to bounce back strongly. Given how far we've come, not everything is bad. We will thoroughly examine the intricacies of the game and prepare to fight effectively for the next one.

Takayuki Nishikawa, Player

First and foremost, over 6,000 fans came to support us, and we wanted to win this match together with them, but we were reversed at the very end, making it a truly frustrating game for us. We had a strong desire to deliver a victory to our fans and celebrate together, so I am very disappointed.

We have a goal of “4,000 average attendees,” and with so many people coming, we feel we must show them winning games. We will continue to fight in the remaining matches and aim to secure as many victories as possible in our home games.

[Highlights]

[Watch the missed delivery on Basketball LIVE]

https://basketball.mb.softbank.jp/lives/505870?utm_source=club&utm_medium=RF&utm_campaign=club_RF_022