Balanced scoring fueled the Osaka Evessa's 81-77 win over the Ryukyu Golden Kings, a fierce rival, in Saturday's series opener.
Led by Lawrence Blackledge's 17 points and ex-Golden King Narito Namizato's 16, Osaka improved to 35-16. Three teammates also reached double figures in points: Takuya Soma (15), Naoaki Hashimoto (13) and DeAngelo Hamilton (12).
Namizato dished out a team-high four assists for Osaka, which trailed 35-32 at halftime. Hamilton hauled in 14 rebounds and Blackledge added 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and two steals in Okinawa City.