B2 Fukuoka | A close game that went into foul play, but ultimately fell short by a single step, a regrettable loss

The match on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in the Rizona Group B.LEAGUE 2025-26 Season between Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka and Kagoshima Revnise ended in a 79-82 loss for Fukuoka.

【Match Result】

【Fukuoka】79-82【Kagoshima】

1Q 17-16

2Q 17-26

3Q 20-16

4Q 25-24

【Match Report】

＜First Half＞

Carrying the momentum from breaking their losing streak, Fukuoka took on Game 2 against Kagoshima. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early on, aiming for shots from the outside but lacking accuracy. However, #0 Aida broke the deadlock with a 3P shot and followed it up with a drive to the paint. Kagoshima responded with outside shots from #23 Gaines Jr., making it a closely contested game. In this flow, #7 Nishikawa, who sank 5 three-pointers in Game 1, confidently made his first shot of the day and then calmly sank a second. However, they conceded consecutive points in the paint to #2 Auda, leading to an back-and-forth battle. Fukuoka finished the first 10 minutes with a slim one-point lead.

They conceded a 3P shot to #9 Fujimoto, putting them one step behind, but Fukuoka responded with a jumper from #20 Nakatani. However, a crucial steal by #7 Ametani led to a fast break three-pointer, extending the lead. Fukuoka called a timeout to regroup, but repeated mistakes disrupted their offensive rhythm, and scoring became difficult. Seizing this opportunity, Kagoshima continued to sink three-pointers, solidifying their lead. Fukuoka, desperate to keep pace, ignited a counter-attack with a one-handed dunk by #24 Barrel, attempting to break the stagnant flow. Barrel continued to score inside, but Kagoshima responded with three-pointers from #14 Kodama, who had scored 25 points the previous day, preventing Fukuoka from gaining momentum. Furthermore, #34 Endo sank his third 3P of the game, widening the gap to double digits as if swallowed by the arena's energy. Nevertheless, Fukuoka showed defiance with a 3P shot from Aida just before the end of the first half, trailing by eight points at halftime.

＜Second Half＞

Although they conceded the first points of the second half to Kodama, #8 Aoki and Aida responded with consecutive points, refusing to give up. Aguilar also tenaciously secured second-chance points, and with a jumper from Woodberry, the deficit was narrowed to just one point. Aguilar then pushed the ball in himself after a rebound, and Fukuoka finally took the lead. However, Barrel, who had been leading the team with double-digit scoring, was unfortunately substituted out due to injury. Fukuoka, missing their key inside player, managed to hold on with an outside shot from #30 Woodberry, but were pushed back by Ametani's consecutive three-pointers, and the momentum swung back to Kagoshima. With both teams applying tight marking, the game remained close, and Fukuoka entered the final quarter trailing slightly.

Entering the 4th quarter trailing by 4 points. Both teams displayed high-intensity defense, and the game saw a tense development with points scored solely from free throws. Amidst this, Woodberry's 3P shot broke the deadlock, narrowing the gap instantly, and he sank another to take the lead. #10 Sun then scored from both inside and outside, extending the lead. Fukuoka's Nakatani also made a 3P shot, and it seemed they were gaining momentum, but Kagoshima countered with consecutive 3P shots from Ametani and Kodama, pushing back. However, #33 Kato calmly sank an outside shot, regaining the lead once more. Despite the continued back-and-forth, Auda broke through the paint, putting Fukuoka in a chasing position again. With free throws also adding to the score, and trailing by 4 points with 23 seconds remaining, Nishikawa sank a spirited 3P shot, narrowing the deficit to just one point. Fukuoka, who had pushed the game into a foul situation, did not give up until the end, looking for a chance to overturn the score, but ultimately fell just short, resulting in a regrettable loss.

【Comments】

Masato Fukushima, Head Coach

Yesterday, we had a similar game development, and looking back, the difference in turnovers was significant. We made careless turnovers in moments where we could have built momentum. We were able to contain AJ player to some extent compared to yesterday, but it was significant that players like Ametani bounced back. They made 4 out of 7 three-pointers, and as our defense contracted, they managed to make those shots, which was a good job by Ametani.

However, I want to evaluate that our bench players managed to connect plays well during the time Justin was absent, and we were able to bring the game back to a one-possession difference. While there were difficulties in constructing our offense without an inside presence, we were able to accumulate possessions and bring it to a close game.

Kagoshima seemed to emphasize their inside game more than yesterday. As a result, their defense contracted, and we were exploited on the outside. During halftime, I instructed them to be more conscious of shooters like Endo, but it was significant that Ametani was able to score despite that.

Terence Woodberry (Player)

It was a tough game, a game we had to win. We will make the necessary corrections by the end of the season. Although JB was absent from the middle of the game, I think the entire team was able to execute good offense. However, the closing minutes, the final 5 minutes, are an area we haven't been able to handle well this season. The next match against Nara also requires us to carefully consider how to win.

【Highlights】

【Watch the delayed broadcast on B.LEAGUE Ticket】

https://basketball.mb.softbank.jp/lives/505885?utm_source=club&utm_medium=RF&utm_campaign=club_RF_022