The Ryukyu Golden Kings own the bj-league's best record after 34 games, but the Takamatsu Five Arrows, winners of 11 straight games, are the league's hottest team.
The Five Arrows kept the streak alive by edging the three-time reigning champion Osaka Evessa 82-80 on Sunday, a day when three games were decided by five points or less.
With Takamatsu (25-9) trailing 76-75, Yu Okada drained a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:11 to play in the fourth quarter. Seconds later, teammate Matt Garrison made a basket to give the Five Arrows a four-point lead, and the hosts held on for a hard-earned victory.