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| The Utsunomiya Brex inch closer to the B.League title. Japan B.League (file photo) |
QUEZON CITY--Utsunomiya drew first blood in the Japan B.League Finals after tripping Ryukyu, 81-68, in Game 1 on Saturday at the Yokohama Arena.
In front of 13,121 fans at the said arena and also seen by a good-sized crowd at the Gateway 2 Activity Center here during a viewing party, the Brex made it rain from deep to whip the Golden Kings, dropping 16 threes to help pull away for good.
Utsunomiya also stepped up defensively, holding Ryukyu to only 10 points in the third period before holding them off in the fourth.
DJ Newbill led the Brex, who can complete the 2-0 sweep of the best-of-three series on Sunday, with 25 points, four rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Gavin Edwards and Atsuya Ogawa each added 15 points.
Vic Law led the Golden Kings, who need to win Game 2 in less than 24 hours to force a rubber match, with 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block.
Jack Cooley added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 11 rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Levanga Hokkaido star Dwight Ramos and recent Nagoya Fighting Eagles signing Francis Lopez graced the viewing party here.
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