Rizing duo helps beat Lakestars

Every basketball coach will tell you it's better to have a potent one-two scoring punch than a single offensive force in the lineup.

The Rizing Fukuoka proved that point on Thursday, beating the visiting Shiga Lakestars 78-63 in the opener of a two-game bj-league series.

Michael Parker scored a game-high 32 points and Marlyn Bryant added 22 to help Fukuoka improve to 4-5.

Rizing point guard Tsuyoshi Kawazura's steady, all-around play (12 assists, seven points and seven rebounds) had a major impact on the game's outcome as well. Richard Ford Jr., who pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, was one of five Fukuoka players with five or more boards.

The Rizing led 37-35 at halftime and pulled away in the second half.

Gary Hamilton and Bobby Nash paced the Lakestars (7-4) with 14 points apiece.