Three wins separate the top four teams in the six-team East Division, and the Utsunomiya Brex are in a spirited fight along with the Alvark Tokyo, Sunrockers Shibuya and Chiba Jets Funabashi for coveted playoff berths.
Brex coach Ryuzo Anzai's squad sits a game behind the first-place Alvark in the standings after Sunday's 85-73 victory over the Osaka Evessa at Brex Arena Utsunomiya.
All-Star forward Ryan Rossiter scored 23 of his game-high 30 points in the second half as the Brex took control and thwarted the visitors' comeback hopes.