B1 League Round 14 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fourth defeat of league's leader Hitachi SRT (10-4) against sixth ranked Hiroshima D. (8-6) 69-64 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Hitachi SRT. Hiroshima D. forced 21 Hitachi SRT turnovers. Strangely Hitachi SRT outrebounded Hiroshima D. 33-19. American players dominated the game. Forward Nick Mayo (206-97, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points. Center Charles Jackson (208-93, college: Tenn Tech) contributed with 9 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Forward James McAdoo (206-93, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) replied with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Hitachi SRT. Hitachi SRT's coach Tsutomu Isa tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Nagoya DD. Hitachi SRT at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Kawasaki BT. Hitachi SRT will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Hiroshima D. will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Osaka E. on the road.
Important game to mention about took place in Shimane. Fourth ranked Alvark Tokyo (10-4) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging second-ranked Shimane SM (10-4) 64-61 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Shimane SM. Spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (205-94, college: Ole Miss) had a double-double by scoring 12 points and 17 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Daiki Tanaka chipped in 15 points and 6 assists during the contest. Alvark Tokyo's coach Luka Pavicevic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Reid Travis (203-95, college: Kentucky, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Shimane SM. Alvark Tokyo will play against league's leader Kawasaki BT in Kanagawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Shimane SM will play on the road against Nagoya DD and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Yokohama between Tochigi Brex and Yokohama BC. Fifth ranked Tochigi Brex (9-5) got a very close victory on the road over 7th ranked Yokohama BC (6-8). Tochigi Brex managed to escape with a 3-point win 70-67 on Sunday evening. Makoto Hiejima notched 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds by Reginald Buckner did not help to save the game for Yokohama BC. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. and Shinshu BW. Yokohama BC lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will meet Shinshu BW (#4) in the next round. Yokohama BC will play against Hokkaido L. in Saporro and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 14: Hokkaido L. was beaten by Akita NH on the road 94-84. Chiba Jets won against Niigata A. on its own court 88-83. Kawasaki BT outscored Ibaraki R. in Kanagawa 93-67. Osaka E. managed to beat Kyoto H. at home 77-60. Gunma CT was crushed by Ryukyu GK on the opponent's court 102-65. Sea Horses M. was smashed by Nagoya DD in a home game 75-101. Shiga L-Stars lost to Shinshu BW on the road 80-90. Toyama G. managed to outperform San-en NP on its own court 90-89.

Akita NH - Hokkaido L. 94-84

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Akita NH's (7-7) home victory over 9th ranked Hokkaido L. (5-9) 94-84 on Sunday. Akita NH shot 64.4 percent from the field. It was a great shooting night for Akita NH especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. American forward Jordan Glynn (200-89, college: SF Austin) notched a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort and the former international swingman Takatoshi Furukawa (190-87) supported him with 18 points. Furukawa is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Akita NH's coach Kenzo Maeda used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds by American forward Shawn Long (208-93, college: La-Lafayette, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Hokkaido L.. His fellow American import DeMon Brooks (202-92, college: Davidson) added 22 points for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Akita NH moved-up to sixth place. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the ninth position with nine games lost. Akita NH will meet Niigata A. (#11) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Hokkaido L. will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: S.Long 23+11reb+2ast, D.Brooks 22+4reb+3ast, Y.Hayato 13+4reb+3ast, K.Daichi 11+2reb+2ast, S.Terazono 6+5ast, R.Hashimoto 4+5ast
Akita NH: S.Taguchi 20+1reb+2ast, T.Furukawa 18+4reb+2ast, J.Glynn 15+10reb+7ast, H.Kawashima 10+3reb+6ast, A.Davis 8+3reb+3ast, C.Iverson 7+1ast

Chiba Jets - Niigata A. 88-83

Very expected game when 11th ranked Niigata A. (2-12) lost on the road to third ranked Chiba Jets (10-4) 88-83 on Sunday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. American guard Christopher Smith (193-94, college: Utah St.) notched 21 points to lead the effort and the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-93) supported him with 17 points and 6 assists. Even 26 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!) by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-93, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Niigata A.. Filipino guard Kobe Paras (198-97, college: CSUN) added 15 points and 4 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Niigata A. lost eleventh consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H. and Ibaraki R.. Chiba Jets will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Niigata A. will play against Akita NH and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: R.Allen 26+9reb+6ast, K.Paras 15+3reb+4ast, J.Ayres 14+8reb, T.Nephawe 8+2reb, N.Yuto 8+4reb+8ast, S.Watanuki 7+5reb
Chiba Jets: C.Smith 21+3reb+2ast, Y.Togashi 17+6ast, S.Hara 14+5reb+2ast, J.Mooney 9+4reb, J.Duncan 9+4reb+1ast, G.Edwards 8+6reb+2ast

Hiroshima D. - Hitachi SRT 69-64

Fourth defeat of league's leader Hitachi SRT (10-4) against sixth ranked Hiroshima D. (8-6) 69-64 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Hitachi SRT. Hiroshima D. forced 21 Hitachi SRT turnovers. Strangely Hitachi SRT outrebounded Hiroshima D. 33-19. American players dominated the game. Forward Nick Mayo (206-97, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) orchestrated the victory by scoring 14 points. Center Charles Jackson (208-93, college: Tenn Tech) contributed with 9 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Forward James McAdoo (206-93, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) replied with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and center Max Hisatake (203-98, college: IlIinois Tech) added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Hitachi SRT. Hitachi SRT's coach Tsutomu Isa tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Nagoya DD. Hitachi SRT at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Kawasaki BT. Hitachi SRT will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Hiroshima D. will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Osaka E. on the road.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: J.McAdoo 27+9reb+4ast, M.Hisatake 12+10reb, K.Ishii 8+2reb+2ast, N.You 4+2ast, R.Watanabe 4+1reb+1ast, K.Hirose 3+2reb+1ast
Hiroshima D.: N.Mayo 14+2reb+3ast, T.Ryo 12+2reb+4ast, T.Kennedy 10+2reb, C.Jackson 9+6reb+3ast, G.Echenique 8+4reb, N.Tsuji 8+1reb+4ast

Ibaraki R. - Kawasaki BT 67-93

Very predictable result when second ranked Kawasaki BT (11-3) rolled over 10th ranked Ibaraki R. (2-12) in Mito 93-67 on Sunday. Kawasaki BT made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Ibaraki R.'s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kawasaki BT made 7 blocks. The former international power forward Nick Fazekas (211-85, college: Nevada) notched 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) to lead the effort and American power forward Jordan Heath (208-91, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Even 13 points and 9 rebounds by American Eric Jacobsen (208-94, college: Arizona St.) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. Canadian-Italian power forward Marc Trasolini (206-90, college: Santa Clara) added 16 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kawasaki BT have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Ryukyu GK. Ibaraki R. lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Niigata A. and Kyoto H.. Kawasaki BT will meet Alvark Tokyo (#4) on the road in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against the league's second-placed Chiba Jets (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: M.Trasolini 16+6reb+1ast, E.Jacobsen 13+9reb+3ast, D.Taniguchi 8+1reb, C.Tapscott 7+6reb+5ast, A.Tajima 7+2reb+3ast, T.Keita 6+3reb+2ast
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 19+9reb+8ast, J.Heath 18+6reb, M.Janning 16+1reb+4ast, P.Aguilar 8+13reb+3ast, Y.Fujii 7+5reb+7ast, T.Hasegawa 7

Osaka E. - Kyoto H. 77-60

Not a big story in a game when 11th ranked Kyoto H. (2-12) lost on the road to eighth ranked Osaka E. (6-8) 77-60 on Sunday. Osaka E. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Kyoto H.'s 28. They outrebounded Kyoto H. 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Kyoto H.'s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Osaka E. made 7 blocks. American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-89, college: USAO, agency: BIG) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead the effort and American forward Perry Ellis (203-93, college: Kansas) supported him with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. Osaka E.'s coach Kensaku Tennichi used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 17 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Justin Harper (208-89, college: Richmond) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. The former international power forward Yuya Nagayoshi (199-91) added 14 points and 6 rebounds for the guests. Osaka E. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with 3 other teams. Kyoto H. lost eleventh consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Niigata A. and Ibaraki R.. Osaka E. will meet at home higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kyoto H. will play against Gunma CT (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: J.Harper 17+9reb+2ast, Y.Nagayoshi 14+6reb+3ast, J.Tillman 13+8reb+1ast, T.Suzuki 7+2reb+2ast, H.Kazuki 6+2reb, K.Yoshiaki 2+1ast
Osaka E.: K.Hunt 19+10reb+2ast, N.Hiromu 14+2reb+2ast, K.Makoto 13+3reb+4ast, P.Ellis 11+6reb+3ast, D.Newbill 8+1reb+4ast, I.Brown 5+5reb+2ast

Ryukyu GK - Gunma CT 102-65

Everything went according to plan when first ranked Ryukyu GK (11-3) outplayed 6th ranked Gunma CT (6-8) in Okinawa 102-65 on Sunday. Ryukyu GK dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Gunma CT's 34. Ryukyu GK forced 21 Gunma CT turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American forward Dwayne Evans (201-92, college: St.Louis) notched 24 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import power forward Allen Durham (198-88, college: Grace Christian) supported him with 22 points and 10 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Ryukyu GK players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds by naturalized American forward Michael Parker (202-81, college: Evergreen St.) did not help to save the game for Gunma CT. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-90, college: Miami, FL) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Ryukyu GK maintains first position with 11-3 record, which they share with Kawasaki BT. Newly promoted Gunma CT dropped to the seventh place with eight games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Ryukyu GK will meet at home Toyama G. (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gunma CT will play against Kyoto H. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: M.Parker 14+11reb, J.Keenan 13+5reb+2ast, T.McKinney-Jones 11+5reb+5ast, K.Nomoto 8+3reb+4ast, S.Teru 7+1reb+5ast, R.Yamazaki 6+2reb
Ryukyu GK: D.Evans 24+7reb+2ast, A.Durham 22+10reb, K.Imamura 19+3reb+2ast, K.Flippin 13+1reb+2ast, R.Kishimoto 12+3reb+8ast, H.Falcon 6+1ast

Sea Horses M. - Nagoya DD 75-101

There was a minor upset when 3rd ranked Sea Horses M. (9-5) was outleveled by fifth ranked Nagoya DD (8-6) in Kariya 101-75 on Sunday. Nagoya DD shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American power forward Scott Eatherton (206-91, college: Northeastern, agency: BeoBasket) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and American-Filipino guard Bobby Ray Parks (193-93, agency: BIG) supported him with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Even 24 points and 8 rebounds by American forward Jarrod Uthoff (203-93, college: Iowa) did not help to save the game for Sea Horses M.. His fellow American import guard Kyle Collinsworth (198-91, college: BYU) added 6 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Nagoya DD maintains fifth position with 8-6 record, which they share with Hiroshima D. Loser Sea Horses M. keeps the third place with five games lost. They share the position with Tochigi Brex and Shinshu BW. Nagoya DD will meet at home league's second-placed Shimane SM in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sea Horses M. will play against San-en NP in Hamamatsu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: J.Uthoff 24+8reb+2ast, Y.Nishida 13+3reb+4ast, R.Sumino 11+3ast, N.Satoshi 7+3reb+6ast, D.Gardner 7+6reb+1ast, K.Collinsworth 6+10reb+5ast
Nagoya DD: P.Bobby Ray 23+7reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 21+14reb+3ast, T.Harimoto 15+4reb+1ast, T.Nakahigashi 9+5reb+2ast, T.Saito 9+3reb+8ast, T.Ito 8+2reb+3ast

Shimane SM - Alvark Tokyo 61-64

Important game to mention about took place in Shimane. Fourth ranked Alvark Tokyo (10-4) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging second-ranked Shimane SM (10-4) 64-61 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Shimane SM. Spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (205-94, college: Ole Miss) had a double-double by scoring 12 points and 17 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Daiki Tanaka (191-91) chipped in 15 points and 6 assists during the contest. Alvark Tokyo's coach Luka Pavicevic allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Reid Travis (203-95, college: Kentucky, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 21 points and 6 rebounds and international guard Seiya Ando (184-92) scored 18 points and 5 assists. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Shimane SM. Alvark Tokyo will play against league's leader Kawasaki BT in Kanagawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Shimane SM will play on the road against Nagoya DD and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: R.Travis 21+6reb+2ast, S.Ando 18+2reb+5ast, K.Kanamaru 10+9reb, N.Kay 8+11reb+3ast, R.Shirahama 2+3reb, R.Abe 2+3reb+3ast
Alvark Tokyo: A.Kirk 16+5reb+1ast, D.Tanaka 15+3reb+6ast, S.Saiz 12+17reb, R.Rossiter 8+10reb, G.Kojima 7+3ast, S.Ando 4+2reb+1ast

Shinshu BW - Shiga L-Stars 90-80

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Shinshu BW (9-5) beat 7th ranked Shiga L-Stars (6-8) in Nagano 90-80 on Sunday. Shinshu BW made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Guard Yuta Okada (189-98) notched 27 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and point guard Ko Kumagai (173-96) supported him with 15 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four Shinshu BW players scored in double figures. Even 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) by American forward Novar Gadson (201-89, college: Rider) did not help to save the game for Shiga L-Stars. British Ovie Soko (201-91, college: Duquesne) added 18 points and 10 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shinshu BW have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. and Tochigi Brex. Shiga L-Stars lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Shinshu BW will meet at home Tochigi Brex (#5) in the next round. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: N.Gadson 22+7reb+6ast, O.Soko 18+10reb, S.O'Mara 17+7reb+1ast, T.Kashiwagura 9+1reb+4ast, K.Isaac Ravena 7+1reb+2ast, N.Daichi 4+1reb+3ast
Shinshu BW: O.Yuta 27+5reb+5ast, K.Ko 15+3reb+3ast, W.Marshall 10+2reb+2ast, A.McHenry 10+5reb+5ast, J.Hawkinson 9+4reb+1ast, M.Reo 8+4reb+2ast

Toyama G. - San-en NP 90-89

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Toyama G. and 10th ranked San-en NP had identical 3-10 record. This time Toyama G. used a home court advantage and edged the opponent from Hamamatsu 90-89 on Sunday night. Toyama G. made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Toyama G. outrebounded San-en NP 37-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. American center Joshua Smith (208-92, college: Georgetown) notched a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the effort and Filipino guard Dwight Ramos (193-98, college: CPP) supported him with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Toyama G.'s coach Honoo Hamaguchi used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Even 26 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) by Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-96) did not help to save the game for San-en NP. American forward Robert Carter (206-94, college: Maryland) added 20 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Toyama G. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 4-10 record. San-en NP lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with 11 games lost. Toyama G. will meet league's leader Ryukyu GK in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. San-en NP will play against Sea Horses M. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: F.Ravena 26+9reb+5ast, R.Carter 20+5reb+3ast, M.Yoshiyuki 14+3reb+3ast, J.Knox 12+3reb, T.Shota 7+3ast, K.Tsuya 5+1ast
Toyama G.: J.Smith 19+11reb+1ast, D.Ramos 16+10reb+3ast, J.Mavunga 12+5reb+11ast, K.Matsui 11+1reb+3ast, N.Uto 11+2reb+4ast, K.Hareyama 8

Yokohama BC - Tochigi Brex 67-70

A very close game took place in Yokohama between Tochigi Brex and Yokohama BC. Fifth ranked Tochigi Brex (9-5) got a very close victory on the road over 7th ranked Yokohama BC (6-8). Tochigi Brex managed to escape with a 3-point win 70-67 on Sunday evening. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (190-90) notched 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and the former international guard Yusuke Endo (185-89) supported him with 18 points. Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds by American power forward Reginald Buckner (206-91, college: Ole Miss) did not help to save the game for Yokohama BC. Czech Patrik Auda (204-89, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) added 18 points for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Sea Horses M. and Shinshu BW. Yokohama BC lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will meet Shinshu BW (#4) in the next round. Yokohama BC will play against Hokkaido L. in Saporro and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: P.Auda 18+4reb+3ast, R.Buckner 15+11reb+2ast, M.Morikawa 14+3ast, S.Ikuhara 7+3reb+3ast, O.Takeru 6+1ast, K.Morii 3+3reb+7ast
Tochigi Brex: Y.Endo 18+4reb+3ast, M.Hiejima 15+5reb+6ast, H.Watanabe 12+2ast, J.Scott 11+10reb+1ast, I.Fotu 5+7reb, C.Fieler 5+2reb+3ast



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