The San-en NeoPhoenix built a cushion in the third quarter and cruised past the Yokohama B-Corsairs in Friday's series opener, winning 80-69.
San-en outscored the hosts 21-11 in the pivotal third quarter in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
The NeoPhoenix (17-20) also sank 13 of 17 free throws; the B-Corsairs were 2 of 6 from the foul line.