The Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Utsunomiya Brex, who were formerly known as the Tochigi Brex, combined for 89 victories in 120 games last season.
So it was no surprise that both teams played a scrappy, intense game to usher in the B. League's fourth season on Thursday night at Yokohama Arena. But the 2019-20 regular-season opener was ultimately decided by offensive consistency.
The Brave Thunders knocked down shots on a consistent basis over the final 20 minutes and pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter en route to a 78-57 victory.