The Rizing Fukuoka overcame the Ryukyu Golden Kings' 35 fourth-quarter points, holding on for a 98-95 win on Friday in the bj-league.
Fukuoka (15-24) led 47-37 after two quarters and outscored the hosts 30-11 in the second period.
In a showdown of first-year expansion teams, the Rizing led 72-58 after three quarters, but Hernando Planells' club fell short despite a strong comeback in the final quarter.
Fukuoka's Michael Parker led all players with 28 points, Michael Gardener added 22 and Jeffrey Price had a double-double (20 points, 11 rebounds).
For the Golden Kings (10-29), point guard Naoto Takushi put a team-best 24 points on the board and dished out six assists and backcourt mate Kenya Tomori made six assists and scored 14.
Ryukyu guard Herb Gibson and forward Eric Walton added 17 points apiece and Kevin Steenberge added 13 and pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds.