The Aomori Wat's didn't rely on gimmicks or flashy showmanship against the Saitama Broncos on Saturday night. That wasn't necessary.

The first-year franchise used balanced scoring and persistent defense in a methodical, 90-77 victory over the Broncos in the bj-league series opener.

Aomori (18-19) had seven double-digit scorers: Abdullahi Kuso (16 points, 11 rebounds), ex-Bronco Yuki Kitamuki (14 points, six assists, three steals), Anthony Kent (13 points), ex-Bronco Gordon Klaiber and Makoto Sawaguchi (11 points apiece) and Stanley Ocitti and Daisuke Takaoka (10 apiece).