Rizing Fukuoka coach Tadaharu Ogawa likes to keep things simple. Sure, he reminds his players about basic strategies before, during and after games, but he understands the value of simplicity.

Or as guard Kohei Mitomo put it: "As coach Ogawa always says, 'Focus on the game for 40 minutes.' "

The Rizing have been one of the bj-league's most dangerous teams this season. Entering this weekend's two-game road trip to Okinawa to face the reigning champion Ryukyu Golden Kings, Fukuoka (26-18) is involved in a riveting three-way battle for the Western Conference regular-season title.