The Alvark Tokyo built a 13-point cushion by halftime in Saturday's series opener against the visiting Ryukyu Golden Kings.
Providing a boost from the get-go, star guard Daiki Tanaka scored nine of his 17 points in the opening quarter, and Tokyo triumphed 76-66 at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi.
Backcourt mate Seiya Ando poured in 17 points and tied Tanaka for the team lead in assists (four). Alex Kirk finished one rebound shy of a double-double (11 points, nine boards), while Takeki Shonaka, who was 3-for-3 from 3-point range, and Kevin Jones both scored nine points.