In a clash of Eastern Conference heavyweights, the Akita Northern Happinets delivered a stellar effort in the opening quarter and maintained their poise throughout the game in a 67-58 win over the visiting Iwate Big Bulls.
Shigehiro Taguchi drained four 3-pointers and led the Northern Happinets (39-10) with 20 points on the night. Richard Roby contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for Akita, which led 21-12 entering the second quarter.
Ruben Boykin finished with 11 rebounds and five helpers along with five points for the hosts, while Ryosuke Mizumachi added seven points as Akita rolled to its fifth straight win.
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