The San-en NeoPhoenix have a new name and play in a new league. They have a first-year head coach and several new players, and they are just two years removed from their third bj-league championship.
Friday's game didn't have the same pressure as past title contests for the club formerly known as the Hamamatsu Higashimikawa Phoenix, but new bench boss Hiroki Fujita's club faced a challenge entering the second half against a formidable foe.
The NeoPhoenix responded to that challenge, overturning a six-point halftime deficit and winning 87-81 against Central Division foe Kawasaki Brave Thunders at Todoroki Arena in their B. League series opener.