Guard Michael Gardener had 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to guide the Rizing Fukuoka to a 96-73 victory over the league leading Osaka Evessa (21-6) in Kita-kyushu on Friday night. Forward Josh Peppers and guard Akitomo Takeno contributed with 19 points and nine boards and 18 points and six assists respectively for Fukuoka which improved to 10-17. In Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, guard Takamichi Fujiwara sank six consecutive free throws with less than 30 seconds remaining in the final quarter as the Niigata Albirex BB (18-11) defeated the Toyama Grouses (4-25) 73-66. Forward Rodney Webb led the game with 18 points for Niigata.
