The Takamatsu Five Arrows found the right combinations on offense, and they needed every point along the way, prevailing 105-102 over the rival Rizing Fukuoka on Saturday in the bj-league.
The Five Arrows turned to veteran floor leader and fiery competitor Rasheed Sparks (26 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists) to set the tone in the series opener on Shikoku island.
Shuichi Takada flourished in his role as the No. 2 scorer, adding 20 points and veteran Satoshi Takeda chipped in with 19.