The Alvark Tokyo displayed patience and poise throughout Friday's series opener against the Utsunomiya Brex.
The two-time defending champions came through in the clutch in the pivotal moments of the fourth quarter, winning 73-72 at Brex Arena.
Tokyo center Alex Kirk nailed a go-ahead inside jumper with 6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Yutaro Suda was credited with the assist.