Altiri Chiba vs San En Neo Phoenix on 28 January
On January 28th, 2026, the B-League will showcase an exciting clash between Altiri Chiba and San En Neo Phoenix at the Chiba Port Arena. Both teams are fighting for supremacy in the tight B-League standings, and with the stakes high, this game promises to be a thrilling contest full of tactical depth and key matchups. Altiri Chiba is looking to continue its strong push for a playoff spot, while San En Neo Phoenix will seek to maintain its momentum and solidify its position in the middle of the table.
Altiri Chiba: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Altiri Chiba has been in solid form over their last five games, winning four out of five. The team’s approach revolves around a fast-paced offense with a heavy emphasis on transition play, using their speed to outmaneuver opponents in the open court. Chiba is among the top teams in the league in terms of offensive efficiency, averaging 115 points per game, thanks to their impressive field goal and three-point percentages (48.3% and 38.9%, respectively). They are particularly strong in fast breaks, where they have averaged 18 points per game in transition.
Defensively, however, Altiri Chiba has shown vulnerability. Their opponents have averaged a solid 45% shooting accuracy from the field against them, suggesting some issues with defending in the half-court. The team relies on their aggressive perimeter defense and fast rotations to disrupt opposing offenses. A key player for Chiba is their star point guard, who leads the team in assists and steals. His ability to control the tempo and create for others will be crucial in this matchup.
San En Neo Phoenix: Tactical Approach and Current Form
San En Neo Phoenix, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down run over the last five games, with a 3-2 record. The Phoenix excels at controlling the tempo with a deliberate, half-court offense. They focus on setting up plays and using their big men in the post to generate high-percentage shots. Their field goal percentage of 47.1% is solid, and they have a strong presence in the paint, averaging 28 points per game inside. This makes them particularly dangerous when the game slows down and they can work the ball through their bigs.
Defensively, San En Neo Phoenix is known for their ability to lock down opponents in the paint, but they have struggled against perimeter shooting, where they rank towards the bottom of the league in three-point defense. Their rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, is a major strength, allowing them to maintain possessions and create second-chance opportunities. One of the key players to watch is their center, who not only dominates in the post but also has the ability to stretch the floor with an occasional three-pointer. His role in limiting Chiba’s fast break points will be critical.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The last few encounters between these two teams have been competitive, with both clubs claiming a win each in their last four matchups. However, Altiri Chiba has had the upper hand in recent seasons, winning the last two games in a row. The most recent game, which Chiba won by a narrow margin, saw them use their transition game to outpace San En Neo Phoenix in the second half. This trend suggests that Chiba’s up-tempo style has historically posed problems for Phoenix, who struggles to keep pace with high-scoring teams.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most decisive matchups will be in the center position, where Chiba's mobile big man will face off against San En's dominant post player. The battle for post supremacy could swing the game in either team’s favor, as it will dictate the pace and control of the painted area. Chiba’s center will need to defend the rim effectively while also contributing on offense to keep the pressure on Phoenix’s defense.
Another critical area will be the perimeter. Chiba’s perimeter defense will be tested by San En’s sharp-shooting guard, who has the ability to hit from beyond the arc and stretch defenses. If Phoenix can find success from deep, they can pull Chiba’s defense out of its comfort zone and create driving lanes for their big men. This battle will determine whether Phoenix can maintain offensive balance or whether Chiba will dominate the pace with their transition play.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario is that this game will be a fast-paced affair, with Chiba trying to push the tempo and Phoenix attempting to slow the game down to control the half-court. If Chiba can execute their fast breaks and hit from the perimeter, they will have the advantage. Phoenix, on the other hand, will need to exploit their rebounding advantage and minimize turnovers to stay in the game. With both teams featuring high-scoring offenses, this game could see a total score well over 200 points, with Chiba’s shooting efficiency being the deciding factor.
Prediction: Chiba by 5-8 points. The key will be whether Phoenix can slow down Chiba's transition game, and if not, expect the latter to win this contest with a high-scoring performance, dominating the pace and the perimeter shooting battle.
Final Thoughts
With both teams in strong form and heading into this matchup with clear tactical game plans, the biggest question is whether San En Neo Phoenix can contain Chiba’s fast break and high-scoring offense. If they can, this could be a closer game than expected. However, if Chiba’s offense runs rampant, Phoenix will struggle to keep up. One thing is for certain: this will be an exciting, high-stakes clash that basketball fans won’t want to miss.
The big question is: Will San En Neo Phoenix be able to slow down Altiri Chiba's fast-paced offense, or will Chiba continue to run riot on the break?
