B3 League Round 12: Iwate is defeated by Shizuoka

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Iwate (16-6) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Shizuoka (14-8) 88-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Iwate. Shizuoka made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Iwate turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Iwate helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Novar Gadson (201-89, college: Rider) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 7 rebounds and British-Nigerian guard Michael Ojo (195-89, college: Lehigh) who added 26 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Robert Dozier (206-85, college: Memphis) with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shizuoka moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Toyoda Gosei. Iwate at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. Shizuoka is looking forward to face Kanazawa (#8) in Ishikawa in the next round. Iwate will have a break next round.
B3 League top team - Iwate (16-6) added another victory to their record. This time they beat sixth ranked Shizuoka (14-8) 75-69. The winners were led by American forward Chris Olivier (202-92, college: OK State) who scored that evening 25 points and 8 rebounds and Robert Dozier supported him with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Even 16 points and 7 rebounds by naturalized American Luke Evans (203-91, college: CBU) did not help to save the game for Shizuoka. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Iwate have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Iwate went down to third position due to points difference. Shizuoka at the other side dropped to the fifth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Toyoda Gosei. Iwate will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shizuoka will play on the road against Kanazawa (#8) in Ishikawa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
9th ranked Tokyo HT (4-14) was outscored at home by second ranked Okayama (17-5) with the biggest margin this round 105-68 on Sunday night. The best player for the winners was Chris Washburn who had a double-double by scoring 27 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Jalen Robinson who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Okayama have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Tokyo HT lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 14 games lost. Okayama will meet Gifu (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tokyo HT will play against Toyoda Gosei and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 12: Gifu lost to Toyoda Gosei on the opponent's court 82-87. Tokyo HT was outscored by Okayama in a home game 72-93. Bottom-ranked Kagoshima was rolled over Saitama on the road 88-69. Toyoda Gosei was defeated by Gifu on its own court 87-92. Bottom-ranked Kagoshima was beaten by Saitama in a road game 94-83. Tokyo EX won against Kanazawa at home 110-92. Kanazawa was outscored by Tokyo EX on the opponent's court 105-74.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 27 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists by Michael Craig of Tokyo EX.

Toyoda Gosei - Gifu 87-82

Rather expected game in Aichi where 7th ranked Gifu (10-14) was defeated by fifth ranked Toyoda Gosei (14-8) 87-82 on Saturday. Toyoda Gosei dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Gifu's 46. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American center CJ Gettys (213-94, college: Rutgers, agency: Haylett Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 38 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds. American-Irish forward Brian Voelkel (196-92, college: Vermont) chipped in 0 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Canadian forward Mamadou Gueye (201-93, college: Alberta) who recorded a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Alex Floresca (203-96, college: San Diego) added 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots) respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Toyoda Gosei maintains fifth position with 14-8 record, which they share with Shizuoka. Gifu lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 14 games lost. Toyoda Gosei will meet Tokyo HT (#9) on the road in the next round. Gifu will play against the league's leader Okayama and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyoda Gosei: C.Gettys 38+12reb+3ast, E.Sumihiro 14+1reb+2ast, R.Yanagiuchi 14+3ast, Y.Ibayashi 13+2ast, K.Fujita 4+5reb+2ast, H.Hiroki 4+1reb+1ast
Gifu: M.Gueye 27+12reb+5ast, Y.Kentaro 19+3reb+2ast, A.Floresca 13+9reb+4ast, W.Smith 12+5reb+1ast, S.Daisuke 7+2reb, P.Abu 2+3reb

Tokyo HT - Okayama 72-93

Very predictable result when second ranked Okayama (17-5) smashed on the road 9th ranked Tokyo HT (4-14) 93-72 on Saturday. Okayama forced 19 Tokyo HT turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Chris Washburn (203-93, college: TCU) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Guard Kouki Wakasa (185-97) chipped in 24 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Jalen Robinson (206-93, college: Dalton St.) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and Masaya Ueda (177-93) added 14 points, 5 assists and 4 steals respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Okayama have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Tokyo HT lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 14 games lost. Okayama will meet Gifu (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tokyo HT will play against Toyoda Gosei and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Okayama: W.Kouki 24+2reb, C.Washburn 16+8reb+3ast, S.Andre 15+6reb, J.Parmer 13+8reb+3ast, M.Yusuke 5+3ast, O.Rikuto 5+2ast
Tokyo HT: J.Robinson 15+12reb, H.Ogane 15+4ast, M.Ueda 14+2reb+5ast, Y.Takehiro 10+1reb+3ast, T.Sano 8+2reb, Y.Niyokwizera 4+7reb+1ast

Iwate - Shizuoka 75-69

B3 League top team - Iwate (16-6) added another victory to their record. This time they beat sixth ranked Shizuoka (14-8) 75-69. Iwate dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Shizuoka's 26. The winners were led by American forward Chris Olivier (202-92, college: OK State) who scored that evening 25 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Robert Dozier (206-85, college: Memphis) supported him with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Even 16 points and 7 rebounds by naturalized American Luke Evans (203-91, college: CBU) did not help to save the game for Shizuoka. Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-96, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) added 11 points and 9 rebounds. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Iwate have a solid four-game winning streak. Despite that victory Iwate went down to third position due to points difference. Shizuoka at the other side dropped to the fifth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Toyoda Gosei. Iwate will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shizuoka will play on the road against Kanazawa (#8) in Ishikawa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Iwate: C.Olivier 25+8reb+1ast, Y.Toshiki 10+3reb+3ast, R.Dozier 10+13reb+3ast, R.Ito 9+3reb+3ast, D.Bamba 6+5reb, T.Nihira 6
Shizuoka: L.Evans 16+7reb+2ast, N.Gadson 12+6reb+5ast, M.Ojo 12+7reb, M.Dama 11+9reb+3ast, A.Yuta 4+1reb+2ast, F.Yohei 3

Saitama - Kagoshima 88-69

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 11th ranked Kagoshima's (2-20) road loss to tenth ranked Saitama (3-18) 69-88 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American center Will Creekmore (205-89, college: Missouri St.) who had a double-double by scoring 41 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds. Guard Tomoya Hata (188-96) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Canadian center Renaldo Dixon (206-90, college: NM State) who recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds and Senegalese center Diop Cheikh (210-97) added 8 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Saitama maintains tenth position with 3-18 record. Kagoshima lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay dead last with 20 lost games. Saitama will meet at home higher ranked Aisin AW (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kagoshima will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Saitama: W.Creekmore 41+14reb+2ast, H.Tomoya 15+5reb+3ast, N.Nakano 14+2reb+1ast, M.Eric 7+4reb+1ast, K.Kazusa 7+1reb+4ast, K.Shinkawa 2+1reb+2ast
Kagoshima: R.Dixon 20+8reb, K.Matsuzaki 9+5reb+1ast, C.Diop 8+8reb+1ast, K.Sameshima 8+3reb+3ast, H.Fujita 7+3reb+2ast, F.Ibuki 7+1reb+2ast

Toyoda Gosei - Gifu 87-92

There was a small surprise in Aichi where seventh ranked Gifu (10-14) beat 5th ranked Toyoda Gosei (14-8) 92-87 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was forward Abu Philip (198-97) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Point guard Kentaro Yoshida (173-95) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. Gifu's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was American center CJ Gettys (213-94, college: Rutgers, agency: Haylett Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 31 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Irish forward Brian Voelkel (196-92, college: Vermont) added 10 points, 14 rebounds, 15 assists and 5 steals respectively. Four Gifu and five Toyoda Gosei players scored in double figures. Gifu maintains seventh position with 10-14 record. Loser Toyoda Gosei keeps the fifth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Shizuoka. Gifu will meet at home league's leader Okayama in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Toyoda Gosei will play against Tokyo HT (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: P.Abu 22+10reb, Y.Kentaro 19+6reb+3ast, M.Gueye 15+6reb+3ast, T.Masahiro 12+2reb+4ast, W.Smith 9+5reb, A.Floresca 8+7reb+2ast
Toyoda Gosei: C.Gettys 31+14reb+5ast, E.Sumihiro 14+5ast, R.Yanagiuchi 11+2reb+1ast, Y.Ibayashi 11+2reb+1ast, B.Voelkel 10+14reb+15ast, H.Hiroki 8+3reb+1ast

Tokyo HT - Okayama 68-105

9th ranked Tokyo HT (4-14) was outscored at home by second ranked Okayama (17-5) with the biggest margin this round 105-68 on Sunday night. Okayama made 35-of-46 free shots (76.1 percent) during the game, while Tokyo HT only scored fifteen points from the stripe. They outrebounded Tokyo HT 47-34 including a 39-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Okayama looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Chris Washburn (203-93, college: TCU) who had a double-double by scoring 27 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists. The other American import forward Jeffrey Parmer (203-85, college: FAU) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Okayama players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Jalen Robinson (206-93, college: Dalton St.) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and guard Hiroya Ogane (180-89) added 9 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Okayama have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Tokyo HT lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 14 games lost. Okayama will meet Gifu (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Tokyo HT will play against Toyoda Gosei and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Okayama: C.Washburn 27+19reb+6ast, S.Andre 22+4reb+2ast, J.Parmer 20+8reb+2ast, K.Tsubasa 10+2ast, W.Kouki 9+2reb+2ast, S.Tatsuya 7
Tokyo HT: O.Yusaku 13+2reb+3ast, J.Robinson 13+10reb+3ast, Y.Niyokwizera 10+1reb+1ast, H.Ogane 9+6reb+7ast, M.Ueda 7+3reb+3ast, B.Aoki 6+7reb

Iwate - Shizuoka 75-88

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Iwate (16-6) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Shizuoka (14-8) 88-75. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Iwate. Shizuoka made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Iwate turnovers. 26 personal fouls committed by Iwate helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Novar Gadson (201-89, college: Rider) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 7 rebounds and British-Nigerian guard Michael Ojo (195-89, college: Lehigh) who added 26 points during the contest. Four Shizuoka players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Robert Dozier (206-85, college: Memphis) with 18 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized American point guard Ryuji Aoki (183-98, college: Rose-Hulman) scored 17 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shizuoka moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Toyoda Gosei. Iwate at the other side dropped to the third position with six games lost. Shizuoka is looking forward to face Kanazawa (#8) in Ishikawa in the next round. Iwate will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shizuoka: M.Ojo 26+1reb+3ast, N.Gadson 21+7reb+3ast, L.Evans 15+11reb+3ast, M.Dama 10+6reb+1ast, S.Kanou 6+3reb+1ast, N.Ishikawa 6+2reb+2ast
Iwate: R.Dozier 18+9reb+2ast, R.Aoki 17+4reb, K.Takahashi 11+2reb+3ast, E.Nissen 9+5reb+4ast, C.Olivier 8+2reb+1ast, Y.Toshiki 6+2reb+1ast

Saitama - Kagoshima 94-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 11th ranked Kagoshima's (2-20) road loss to tenth ranked Saitama (3-18) 83-94 on Sunday. Saitama dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Kagoshima's 28. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Will Creekmore (205-89, college: Missouri St.) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Tomoya Hata (188-96) chipped in 11 points, 7 assists and 5 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Senegalese center Diop Cheikh (210-97) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds and Canadian center Renaldo Dixon (206-90, college: NM State) added 19 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Saitama maintains tenth position with 3-18 record. Kagoshima lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay dead last with 20 lost games. Saitama will meet at home higher ranked Aisin AW (#4) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kagoshima will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Saitama: W.Creekmore 26+16reb+4ast, N.Nakano 15+3reb+2ast, N.Akihisa 11+1reb, H.Tomoya 11+3reb+7ast, K.Shinkawa 10+3reb+4ast, K.Kazusa 9+3reb+3ast
Kagoshima: R.Dixon 19+2reb+1ast, H.Aruma 15+1reb+6ast, C.Diop 13+11reb+1ast, K.Kiichi 10+3reb, K.Sameshima 7+2reb+3ast, Y.Nagayama 5+2reb

Tokyo EX - Kanazawa 110-92

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Tokyo EX (16-3) won against at home 8th ranked Kanazawa (6-16) 110-92 on Saturday. Tokyo EX dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Kanazawa's 38. They outrebounded Kanazawa 48-17 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Tokyo EX looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman Michael Craig (196-91, college: Southern Miss) who scored 27 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Maltese center Samuel Deguara (225-91) chipped in a double-double by scoring 28 points and 13 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Andre Murray (188-87, college: Portland St.) who recorded 22 points and 4 assists and point guard Daichi Tomioka (165-95) added 7 points, 7 assists and 4 steals respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo EX have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Kanazawa lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 16 games lost. Tokyo EX will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kanazawa will play against Shizuoka (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo EX: S.Deguara 28+13reb, M.Craig 27+8reb+8ast, T.King 22+9reb+2ast, H.Higuchi 10+4reb+1ast, D.Taguchi 7+4reb+8ast, R.Hasegawa 6+2reb
Kanazawa: A.Murray 22+2reb+4ast, S.Kotaro 13+2reb+2ast, N.Ren 12+1reb+2ast, Y.Hikaru 11, K.Takahashi 8+1ast, D.Tomioka 7+3reb+7ast

Tokyo EX - Kanazawa 105-74

Very expected game when 8th ranked Kanazawa (6-16) was crushed on the road by third ranked Tokyo EX (16-3) 105-74 on Sunday. Tokyo EX outrebounded Kanazawa 49-30 including a 32-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman Michael Craig (196-91, college: Southern Miss) who had a triple-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. The other American import forward Terrance King (198-90, college: ESU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Four Tokyo EX players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Daichi Tomioka (165-95) who recorded 14 points and 8 assists and American guard Andre Murray (188-87, college: Portland St.) added 18 points respectively. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Tokyo EX have an impressive 12-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Kanazawa lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 16 games lost. Tokyo EX will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kanazawa will play against Shizuoka (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo EX: M.Craig 27+10reb+12ast, T.King 19+12reb, K.Ogura 14+4reb, H.Higuchi 10+6reb+2ast, J.Kaiki 7+1reb, D.Taguchi 6+4reb+1ast
Kanazawa: A.Murray 18+4reb+1ast, D.Tomioka 14+2reb+8ast, H.Tamada 10+6reb, Y.Kota 8+4reb, S.Kotaro 7+3reb, N.Ren 6+3reb+2ast



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