Led by Morihisa Yamauchi's five steals, the opportunistic Ryukyu Golden Kings defense caused fits for the Akita Northern Happinets in their series opener on Saturday night.
Ryukyu's 14 steals also spelled trouble for Akita.
The Golden Kings blasted the visitors 99-63 in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, riding the momentum of a terrific second quarter — when they outscored the Northern Happinets 25-9.