The Ryukyu Golden Kings celebrated their ninth victory in as many games this season, edging the visiting Oita HeatDevils 85-82 on Saturday evening in a clash between the Western Conference's first- and second-place clubs.
University of Georgia product Terrance Woodbury, an offseason acquisition for the bj-league's defending champions, scored a game-high 23 points for the Golden Kings. He made 10 of 14 shots, including 2-for-3 from long range, and raked in five rebounds. Naoto Kosuge scored 15 points, Anthony McHenry had 13 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three steals and Narito Namizato (10 points) and Jeff Newton (10 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks) made major contributions for coach Koto Toyama's club, the only one in the 21-team league without a loss.
The game was tied at 42-42 at halftime.