Despite a strong defensive effort, the Sendai 89ers fell 67-59 to the host Rizing Fukuoka on Saturday.
The Rizing (24-13) scored 31 fourth-quarter points to secure the victory.
Kevin Palmer paced the hosts with 25 points, including 14-for-25 at the free-throw line. Macho forward Gary Hamilton added 15 points and 18 rebounds, Carlos Dixon scored 12 and Akitomo Takeno had 10.