The Osaka Evessa jumped out to a 12-point lead after the opening quarter and held on for a narrow victory over the Shiga Lakestars on Friday night.
The Evessa's 86-82 win at Sumiyoshi Sports Center in Osaka raised their season record to 8-7 in the B. League. The Lakestars fell to 2-13.
Florida State alum Xavier Gibson paced Osaka with 19 points and corralled six rebounds. He had two blocks and two steals. Teammates Naoaki Hashimoto and Josh Harrellson both scored 18 points. Harrellson also pulled down 13 boards and swatted a pair of shots.
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