With eight games in the books, the Ryukyu Golden Kings have had the basketball equivalent of a perfect hand of cards since the season's opening tipoff. And it's as if Ryukyu coach Dai Oketani has seen nothing but aces.
The Golden Kings picked up another victory on Sunday, doing so in dramatic fashion.
With his team trailing 72-71, power forward Jeff Newton gave Ryukyu (8-0) a one-point edge by sinking a pair of free throws with 14 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Newton made two more free throws with 4 seconds remaining, helping his team earn a 75-74 triumph over the host Takamatsu Five Arrows.