Early Rebounding Edge Sets the Tone in the First Quarter
Captain Sota Nishimura opened the scoring for Kansai with a turn-shout out of the post. Ryukoku responded quickly with a three-point field throw, but Kansai maintained pressure as Shinto Nishihara converted an offensive rebound. Hotaka Kawano added a three-pointer, and Nonobe contributed another from beyond the arc to give Kansai a 20–15 lead after the first 10 minutes.
Resilient Defense Secures the Lead Through the Middle Quarters
Two minutes into the frame, Nonobe forced a steal and delivered a sideline-jumping assist that set up another basket for Hanada, energizing the bench. Ryukoku mounted a strong counterattack in the middle minutes of the period, but long-range shots from Riki Nomura and Kawano kept Kansai ahead. Kansai maintained a 39–37 edge heading into halftime despite Ryukoku outscoring them 22–19 in the second quarter.
Kansai Holds Lead After Ryukoku Scoring Run
Ryukoku capitalized on the lull with a sustained scoring run, eventually erasing the deficit and tying the game midway through the third quarter. Kansai responded through the shooting of Haruhiro Yamamoto and timely free throws, grinding out a 15–12 third-quarter advantage to take a 54–49 lead into the final period.
Late-Game Free Throws Seal the Eight-Point Margin
Nonobe opened the final quarter with a quick basket as fatigue began to slow both rosters down. As physical contact increased under the baskets, Kansai relied on late execution and Ryukoku’s mounting fouls to secure the result. Nomura connected on a three-pointer, and Nishimura followed with a drive to the basket. Kansai converted a steady stream of free throws down the stretch to outscore Ryukoku 25–22 in the final period, sealing a 79–71 win.
Kawano Credits Substitutions for Decisive Lead
Reflecting on the match, Kawano noted that a five-player substitution late in the first quarter proved decisive. "The five players who came in worked hard and extended the lead by 10 to 15 points," Kawano said. "If not for that, it would have been a much tougher match." Kawano also pointed to defensive lapses and missed second-half three-pointers as areas for improvement.
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