| Start: Sunday October 11, 1942 | Ending: Monday October 12, 1942 |
An American attempt to intercept an Japanese convoy for Guadalacanal resulted in a night fight. The surprised Japanese incurred heavy losses but managed to bring the supplies to Guadalcanal.| Allied | Axis | |
| Forces | Scott (TG 64.2): 4 cruisers, 5 destroyers. | Goto (bombardement mission of Guadalcanal): 3 cruisers, 2 destroyers. |
| Losses | 1 destroyer lost. 2 cruisers, 1 destroyer damaged. | 1 cruiser, 1 destroyer lost. 2 cruisers damaged. |