The Niigata Albirex BB moved closer to a possible Eastern Conference regular-season title by beating the visiting Sendai 89ers 98-79 on Saturday night.
Niigata (35-16) is one game ahead of the Iwate Big Bulls, Yokohama B-Corsairs and Toyama Grouses, all of whom have 34-17 records, with one day remaining in the regular season. Playoff positions wil be finalized on Sunday.
Shuhei Komatsu led the Albirex with 20 points and knocked down 6 of 9 3-pointers. Chris Holm had a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds and Nile Murry added 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Rodney Webb also had a 14-point effort with eight rebounds. Yuiichi Ikeda scored 10 points and Taj Finger and Kimitake Sato had nine apiece for coach Matt Garrison's squad.
Sendai trailed 50-38 at halftime.