Through all the ups and downs since the Sendai 89ers joined the bj-league for its inaugural season in 2005, Hikaru Kusaka has been a part of the Tohoku team.
Sendai has had a shaky start, losing four of five games entering Sunday's series finale against the host Toyama Grouses. But Kusaka, a three-time All-Star, and the 89ers found a way to bounce back with a victory, topping Toyama 90-69.
Kevin Coble paced the 89ers with 18 points and Sam Willard scored 16, Karron Clarke contributed eight and Takehiko Shimura had seven points and five assists. Kusaka, also known affectionately as "Mr. 89ers," came off the bench and chipped in with two points, three assists and a steal in 11 minutes on his 30th birthday.