The Shiga Lakestars relied on a standout trio to ignite them to a series-opening 77-61 road victory over the Rizing Fukuoka on Friday.
Shiga's Kejuan Johnson, the league's reigning MVP who suited up for the Sendai 89ers last season, scored a game-high 24 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out four assists in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Teammate Jeff Parmer had 21 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, while Yu Okada scored 19 points and handed out five assists.
The Lakestars (4-1) led 60-53 after three quarters.
Fukuoka (3-2) was held to 5-for-25 shooting from 3-point range.
Bingo Merriex paced the Rizing with 14 points and 16 rebounds and Taishiro Shimizu scored 12 points.
B-Corsairs 71, Cinq Reves 70
In Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama snapped a three-game slide by beating Tokyo by the slimmest of margins.
Cory Johnson had a team-best 24 points for the B-Corsairs (2-3) and Masayuki Kabaya poured in 12 points. Kenji Yamada doled out four assists.
For Tokyo (0-5), John Florveus was the high scorer with 21 points. Tomoyuki Shinzato added 18 points and big man Hadji Ndieguene finished with 12 points and 16 boards.
Five Arrows 103, Lightning 95 (OT)
In Hiroshima, Takamatsu triumphed in overtime to send the expansion Lightning to their fifth straight loss to open the season.
The Five Arrows improved to 4-1.
Game statistics were unavailable at press time.