The Chiba Jets led by the slimmest of margins at halftime on Sunday afternoon.

The Jets then found a higher offensive gear to operate in. They transformed a 35-34 halftime lead into a sizable advantage entering the final stanza, outscoring the Alvark Tokyo 23-8 in the decisive third quarter.

But two-time defending champion Tokyo's improved scoring in the fourth quarter was too little, too late in a 72-64 loss to Chiba at Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.