The preseason began in earnest for the league's 10th season on Wednesday. But this time with a twist.
The reigning champion Ryukyu Golden Kings played host to the NBL powerhouse Toyota Alvark in the first of two scheduled exhibition games in a three-day span in Okinawa City.
Toyota eked out an 80-78 win before an announced crowd of 3,140, with Jeff Gibbs securing an offensive rebounding and scoring on a putback with 0.9 seconds remaining to provide the winning basket.