B2 Fukuoka | Snaps Losing Streak, Wins 84-82 Over Kagoshima in a Close Final-Minute Battle

Game Summary

**Fukuoka 84-82 Kagoshima**

1Q 23-19 2Q 24-27 3Q 26-22 4Q 11-14

### Commentary

**First Half**

This was the final Kyushu Derby of the season, GAME 1 against the Kagoshima Rebnise. The game started with both teams trading three-point attempts. Fukuoka's offense was led by #0 Aita and #30 Woodberry, who scored from both inside and out. The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, but Fukuoka managed to pull slightly ahead late in the quarter as Kagoshima committed several turnovers. The quarter ended with Fukuoka leading 23-19.

In the second quarter, Kagoshima's #12 Fujita hit a three-pointer to take the lead, but Woodberry immediately answered with a three of his own. Both teams continued to score, mainly from the perimeter, and the game became tight once again. Fukuoka retook the lead with a third three-pointer from #32 Kano and another from #7 Nishikawa. However, Kagoshima's #14 Kodama scored on perimeter shots and drives, seizing the momentum back. Fukuoka fought back with another three from Nishikawa and scoring off quick passes, keeping the game a high-scoring battle until the end of the half. Fukuoka shot a high 58.3% from three-point range and went into halftime with a one-point lead, 47-46.

**Second Half**

Fukuoka maintained its high three-point percentage in the third quarter. The team scored rhythmically through coordinated plays centered around foreign players #24 Burrell and #34 Aguilar. Nishikawa also drained his fourth three-pointer of the day, helping to extend the lead as their outside shooting remained effective. However, Kagoshima responded with a three from #23 Gaines Jr., and their tenacious offense prevented Fukuoka from pulling away. At the end of the quarter, Woodberry sank a buzzer-beating three-pointer, giving Fukuoka a 73-68 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the final quarter, Fukuoka struggled against Kagoshima's tough defense and couldn't get easy shots. Fukuoka countered with high-intensity defense of its own, resulting in a stalemate. It was a tough stretch for Fukuoka, as they allowed Kagoshima's Kodama to score his 25th point of the game. After the official timeout, Gaines Jr.'s three-pointer and a putback from #22 Sharma further fueled Kagoshima's momentum. Fukuoka called a timeout but continued to struggle against Kagoshima's defense. Still, they responded with persistent defense, keeping the game within one possession until the final minutes. With under a minute left, Nishikawa hit his fifth three-pointer of the day to tie the game. After a strong defensive stand against Kagoshima's attack, Nishikawa scored a gritty putback with 6.9 seconds remaining to finally take the lead. Fukuoka's focused defense sealed the deal, stopping Kagoshima's final push and winning the intense game 84-82, snapping their losing streak.

### Comments

**Masato Fukushima HC**

In a must-win game for both sides, I think we fought with great intensity, and both teams showed their strengths. It was a great game where both sides gave their all, including the fact that we had a good possession left at the end. The atmosphere was typical of Kagoshima, and many of our boosters came from Fukuoka, so I'm glad we were able to win such a tough game.

However, in the last three minutes of the game, we gave up too many second chances, which made for a dangerous ending. This has been an issue since last week, and with a chance for the playoffs still on the line, it's a point we must correct.

In our last game against Kumamoto (4/1), there were possessions where we couldn't play with composure, but today, the players corrected that and played calmly for 40 minutes.

There were also moments where Kagoshima's ace and key players, Kodama and Gaines Jr., almost took over the game. We will need to address that properly tomorrow.

**Takayuki Nishikawa**

It was a tough game today, but I'm truly glad we were able to pull out a win at the very end.

I expect tomorrow's game to be even harder, and if we can't win here, our path to the playoffs will become difficult. We will do our best to win as a team tomorrow as well.