B1 League Round 26: Chiba J. lose to Ryukyu GK

There were many interesting games last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Chiba J. (21-5) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Ryukyu GK (19-7) 80-70. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ryukyu GK outrebounded Chiba J. 45-29 including 17 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was American power forward Jack Cooley (206-91, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 21 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). The other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-92, college: St.Louis, agency: Wasserman) chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds. Spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (205-94, college: Ole Miss) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ryukyu GK keeps a position of league leader which they share with defeated Chiba J. Chiba J. at the other side still keeps top place with five games lost. They share the position with Tochigi B.. Ryukyu GK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba J. will play again at home against the league's leader Ryukyu GK and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Nagoya. Second ranked Tochigi B. faced 3rd ranked Diamond Dolphins. Guests from Tochigi (21-5) defeated host Diamond Dolphins (16-10) 85-72. American swingman LJ Peak (196-96, college: Georgetown, agency: Pensack Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points and 4 assists (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). Ryan Rossiter contributed with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Leo Lyons (206-87, college: Missouri) replied with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for Diamond Dolphins. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tochigi B. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba J. Diamond Dolphins lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten games lost. Tochigi B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Diamond Dolphins will play again at home against the league's leader Tochigi B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game was played in Tokyo where host Toyota Alvark (#7) won against 4th ranked Osaka E. 83-79 on Saturday evening. Alex Kirk had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 14 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. Josh Harrellson responded with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Toyota Alvark have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 15-11 record. Loser Osaka E. keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost. Toyota Alvark will again meet at home higher ranked Osaka E. (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Osaka E. will have a break next round.
The game in Yokohama was also worth to mention about. 6th ranked Shiga L-Stars (10-16) played at the court of eighth ranked Yokohama BC (9-17). Yokohama BC managed to secure a 5-point victory 83-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Shiga L-Stars. Robert Carter notched 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals to lead the effort. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yokohama BC moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Shimane SM. Shiga L-Stars at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 16 games lost. Yokohama BC's next round opponent will be again higher ranked Shiga L-Stars (#6) at home and it may be quite challenging game.
Ninth-ranked San-en NeoPhoenix (5-21) made lots of trouble for third ranked Hitachi Sunrockers (18-8) in Tokyo on Saturday. Hitachi Sunrockers managed to secure only one-point victory 81-80. However their fans expected much easier game. The best player for the winners was James McAdoo who scored 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Hitachi Sunrockers' coach Tsutomu Isa used entire bench in such tough game. Hitachi Sunrockers have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 18-8 record behind leader Tochigi B. San-en NeoPhoenix lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 21 games lost. Hitachi Sunrockers will face again San-en NeoPhoenix (#9) in Hamamatsu in the next round where they are favorite.

Rest of the games of round 26 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Akita NH defeated Hiroshima D. in a road game 72-70. Hokkaido L. beat Shinshu BW at home 72-60. Kyoto H. was destroyed by Niigata A. on the opponent's court 88-64. Toyama G. outscored Shimane SM in a home game 95-75.
The best stats of 26th round was 26 points and 5 rebounds by Angus Brandt of Shiga L-Stars.

Hiroshima D. - Akita NH 70-72

There was no surprise in Hiroshima where 10th ranked Dragonflies (4-22) were edged by fifth ranked Akita Northern Happinets (17-9) 72-70 on Saturday. Akita Northern Happinets forced 19 Dragonflies turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Alex Davis (206-92, college: Fresno St.) who scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. The former international swingman Takatoshi Furukawa (190-87) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Furukawa is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Venezuelan center Gregory Echenique (206-90, college: Creighton, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Thomas Kennedy (201-87, college: Detroit) added 17 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Akita Northern Happinets have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Toyama G. Dragonflies lost thirteenth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keep the tenth position with 22 games lost. Akita Northern Happinets will have a break next round. Dragonflies will play again at home against Akita Northern Happinets (#4) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: T.Furukawa 15+5reb+2ast, A.Davis 14+8reb+1ast, K.Coleby 9+7reb+3ast, T.Nakayama 7+1reb+3ast, J.Carter 6+3reb+1ast, O.Sota 5
Hiroshima D.: G.Echenique 26+10reb+3ast, T.Kennedy 17+7reb+2ast, S.Asayama 7+5reb+3ast, I.Murphy 6, R.Tawatari 6+2reb+3ast, D.Taniguchi 3

Chiba J. - Ryukyu GK 70-80

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Chiba J. (21-5) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by Ryukyu GK (19-7) 80-70. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ryukyu GK outrebounded Chiba J. 45-29 including 17 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was American power forward Jack Cooley (206-91, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 21 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). The other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-92, college: St.Louis, agency: Wasserman) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds. Four Ryukyu GK players scored in double figures. Spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (205-94, college: Ole Miss) produced a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds and American guard Shannon Shorter (193-89, college: N.Texas) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ryukyu GK keeps a position of league leader which they share with defeated Chiba J. Chiba J. at the other side still keeps top place with five games lost. They share the position with Tochigi B.. Ryukyu GK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Chiba J. will play again at home against the league's leader Ryukyu GK and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: J.Cooley 25+21reb+1ast, N.Namizato 13+2ast, D.Evans 12+10reb+3ast, K.Imamura 10+4reb+2ast, N.Tashiro 7+4reb+3ast, R.Kishimoto 6+4reb+2ast
Chiba J.: S.Saiz 24+15reb+2ast, S.Shorter 13+6reb+2ast, G.Edwards 12+3reb+3ast, S.Hara 9+2reb+1ast, J.Duncan 6+2reb+1ast, Y.Fujinaga 4+1ast

Hokkaido L. - Shinshu BW 72-60

There was a surprise result in Saporro where tenth ranked Hokkaido L. (6-20) defeated higher ranked Shinshu BW (10-16) 72-60 on Saturday. Hokkaido L. made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Nick Mayo (206-97, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 26 points and 6 rebounds. The other American import point guard Jordan Taylor (187-89, college: Wisconsin, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 11 points and 7 assists. American Anthony McHenry (202-83, college: Georgia Tech) produced 8 points and 7 assists and naturalized American guard Louis Kurihara (188-96, college: Whittier) added 11 points and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hokkaido L. maintains tenth position with 6-20 record. Newly promoted Shinshu BW keeps the fifth place with 16 games lost. Hokkaido L. will face again higher ranked Shinshu BW (#5) in Nagano in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: N.Mayo 26+6reb+3ast, J.Taylor 11+3reb+7ast, J.Williams 8+6reb+1ast, A.Tajima 8+3reb+2ast, R.Hashimoto 7+4reb+3ast, T.Nakano 5
Shinshu BW: L.Kurihara 11+4reb+4ast, K.Mitsui 9, A.McHenry 8+4reb+7ast, R.Ono 7+4reb+1ast, J.Yang 7+2reb, T.Nishiyama 6+2ast

Nagoya DD - Tochigi B. 72-85

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Nagoya. Second ranked Tochigi B. faced 3rd ranked Diamond Dolphins. Guests from Tochigi (21-5) defeated host Diamond Dolphins (16-10) 85-72. Tochigi B. players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American swingman LJ Peak (196-96, college: Georgetown, agency: Pensack Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 29 points and 4 assists (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). International forward Ryan Rossiter (204-89, college: Siena) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Leo Lyons (206-87, college: Missouri) replied with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and the former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-95) added 8 points and 8 assists in the effort for Diamond Dolphins. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tochigi B. keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba J. Diamond Dolphins lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with ten games lost. Tochigi B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Diamond Dolphins will play again at home against the league's leader Tochigi B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi B.: L.Peak 29+1reb+4ast, R.Rossiter 15+10reb+7ast, J.Gibbs 9+10reb, Y.Endo 9+4reb+2ast, J.Scott 6+12reb+1ast, H.Watanabe 5+3ast
Nagoya DD: L.Lyons 21+9reb+6ast, J.Burrell 10+6reb+1ast, J.Ayres 9+7reb+1ast, S.Ando 9+2reb+2ast, T.Saito 8+2reb+8ast, R.Kobayashi 6+3reb+4ast

Hitachi SRT - San-en NP 81-80

Ninth-ranked San-en NeoPhoenix (5-21) made lots of trouble for third ranked Hitachi Sunrockers (18-8) in Tokyo on Saturday. Hitachi Sunrockers managed to secure only one-point victory 81-80. However their fans expected much easier game. Hitachi Sunrockers forced 19 San-en NeoPhoenix turnovers. The best player for the winners was American forward James McAdoo (206-93, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) who scored 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The other American import center Charles Jackson (208-93, college: Tenn Tech) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Four Hitachi Sunrockers players scored in double figures. Hitachi Sunrockers' coach Tsutomu Isa used entire bench in such tough game. Serbian power forward Stevan Jelovac (208-89, agency: BeoBasket) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds and point guard Shuto Terazono (165-94) added 13 points and 8 assists respectively for the guests. Hitachi Sunrockers have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 18-8 record behind leader Tochigi B. San-en NeoPhoenix lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 21 games lost. Hitachi Sunrockers will face again San-en NeoPhoenix (#9) in Hamamatsu in the next round where they are favorite.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: J.McAdoo 20+7reb+2ast, R.Kelly 13+4reb, L.Vendrame 12+2reb+3ast, C.Jackson 10+8reb+2ast, M.Kaito 8+1reb, K.Ishii 8+1reb+1ast
San-en NP: S.Jelovac 19+16reb+2ast, K.Hunt 17+5reb+3ast, S.Terazono 13+4reb+8ast, T.Nishikawa 8+5reb+2ast, H.Kawashima 8+1reb+2ast, F.Ravena 6+4reb

Yokohama BC - Shiga L-Stars 83-78

The game in Yokohama was also worth to mention about. 6th ranked Shiga L-Stars (10-16) played at the court of eighth ranked Yokohama BC (9-17). Yokohama BC managed to secure a 5-point victory 83-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Shiga L-Stars. Yokohama BC players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. American forward Robert Carter (206-94, college: Maryland) notched 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals to lead the effort and Masaaki Morikawa (190-92) supported him with 18 points. Even a double-double of 24 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists by American forward Jordan Hamilton (201-90, college: Texas) did not help to save the game for Shiga L-Stars. Australian center Angus Brandt (208-89, college: Oregon St.) added 26 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yokohama BC moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Shimane SM. Shiga L-Stars at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 16 games lost. Yokohama BC's next round opponent will be again higher ranked Shiga L-Stars (#6) at home and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: P.Auda 19+2reb+1ast, M.Morikawa 18+3reb+1ast, R.Carter 18+6reb+5ast, R.Buckner 8+5reb+3ast, A.Chambers 7+1reb+1ast, K.Morii 6+4ast
Shiga L-Stars: A.Brandt 26+5reb+1ast, J.Hamilton 24+10reb+9ast, M.Karimata 6+7reb+2ast, J.Octeus 6+3reb+2ast, M.Reo 5+2reb+2ast, K.Hareyama 4+3reb

Alvark T. - Osaka E. 83-79

An interesting game was played in Tokyo where host Toyota Alvark (#7) won against 4th ranked Osaka E. 83-79 on Saturday evening. Toyota Alvark made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American center Alex Kirk (211-91, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 14 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Daiki Tanaka (191-91) chipped in 14 points and 9 assists during the contest. Five Toyota Alvark players scored in double figures. American forward Josh Harrellson (208-89, college: Kentucky) responded with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import center Garrett Stutz (214-90, college: Wichita St.) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Toyota Alvark have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 15-11 record. Loser Osaka E. keeps the fourth place with 13 games lost. Toyota Alvark will again meet at home higher ranked Osaka E. (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Osaka E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Alvark T.: K.Jones 15+4reb, D.Tanaka 14+9ast, D.Thomas 13+3reb+2ast, G.Kojima 11+3reb+4ast, A.Kirk 10+14reb+1ast, S.Ando 10+2reb+3ast
Osaka E.: G.Stutz 18+10reb, J.Harrellson 18+8reb+4ast, T.Hashimoto 16+4reb+2ast, I.Brown 9+4reb+2ast, D.Newbill 9+3reb+6ast, N.Hiromu 6+2reb

Niigata A. - Kyoto H. 88-64

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Niigata A. and 8th ranked Kyoto H. had identical 7-18 record. This time Niigata A. used a home court advantage and rolled over the opponent from Kyoto 88-64 on Saturday night. Niigata A. dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Kyoto H.'s 30. They outrebounded Kyoto H. 44-22 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American-North Macedonian power forward Richard Hendrix (203-86, college: Alabama) who scored 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-93, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 25 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Rayvonte Rice (193-92, college: Illinois) produced 23 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and his fellow American import center David Simon (208-82, college: PFW) added 19 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Niigata A. maintains ninth position with 8-18 record. Kyoto H. lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 19 games lost. Niigata A. will face again higher ranked Kyoto H. (#8) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: R.Allen 25+5reb, R.Hendrix 17+9reb+4ast, T.Kashiwagura 13+3reb+2ast, J.Washburn 9+7reb+2ast, Y.Nishida 8+1reb+3ast, K.Sato 8+2reb
Kyoto H.: R.Rice 23+5reb+6ast, D.Simon 19+4reb+3ast, J.Harper 10+2reb, T.Ryo 4+2reb+3ast, J.Mitsuda 3+1ast, K.Yoshiaki 2+2reb+2ast

Toyama G. - Shimane SM 95-75

Rather predictable result when fourth ranked Toyama G. (17-9) outscored at home 7th ranked Shimane Magic (9-17) 95-75 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American center Richard Solomon (208-92, college: California, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. The former international forward Naoki Uto (188-91) chipped in 18 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Toyama G.'s coach Honoo Hamaguchi used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. American DeMon Brooks (202-92, college: Davidson) produced 22 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Reid Travis (203-95, college: Kentucky, agency: Pensack Sports) added 21 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Toyama G. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 17-9 record, which they share with Akita NH. Loser Shimane Magic keeps the seventh place with 17 games lost. Toyama G. will face again Shimane Magic (#7) at home in the next round.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: R.Solomon 20+10reb+2ast, N.Uto 18+2reb+1ast, J.Smith 10+7reb+2ast, M.Yoshiyuki 9+1reb, J.Mavunga 9+6reb+5ast, O.Yuta 8+1reb+2ast
Shimane SM: D.Brooks 22+6reb+2ast, R.Travis 21+6reb+1ast, R.Abe 13+3reb+3ast, Y.Yamashita 6+3ast, N.Williams 6+6reb, Y.Sugiura 5+3reb+1ast



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