After losing to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in the bj-league's playoff semifinals last May, Osaka Evessa forward Lynn Washington, a member of the team's three championship squads in the league's first three seasons, spoke about the team's desire to use that game as motivation for the coming season.
On Saturday, the Evessa gained a small measure of revenge against the defending champions in Okinawa.
Washington sank two free throws with 8 seconds remaining to lead Osaka to a 74-73 triumph over Ryukyu.