Ryukyu Golden Kings point guard Tsubasa Yonamine, one of the bj-league's most cerebral floor leaders, is playing at a high level these days. He has dished out 35 assists in the past four games, including nine on Saturday as coach Dai Oketani's club defeated the visiting Rizing Fukuoka 106-95 to collect its third win in that span.
All-Star Jeff Newton paced Ryukyu (23-14) with 24 points and 15 rebounds and Carlos Dixon added 22 points, eight boards and three blocked shots, while Anthony McHenry's all-around effort (16 points, eight boards, five assists) and Shigeyuki Kinjo's 16 points helped the Golden Kings stay tied with rival Osaka Evessa atop the Western Conference standings.
Yonamine also scored 10 points and Ryukyu led by 20 points entering the fourth quarter in Uruma, Okinawa Prefecture.