The Toshiba Brave Thunders were the last men standing at the end of last season, but on Friday night, they had to settle for a loss to start the new year.

Their opponent, Link Tochigi Brex, exhibited a lot of heart against the reigning National Basketball League champions.

Link Tochigi guard Hironori Watanabe scored 23 points, including some big baskets in crunch time, and forward/center Ryan Rossiter followed with 22 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Brex to an 87-84 win at Todoroki Arena in the 2014-15 season-opening game.