B1 League Round 4: Ryukyu GK defeat Nagoya DD

This is still too early stage of the Regular Season in B1 League and we should expect many changes in upcoming rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Nagoya DD (3-1) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by Ryukyu GK (3-1) 91-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Nagoya DD. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ryukyu GK made 27-of-35 free shots (77.1 percent) during the game, while Nagoya DD only scored ten points from the stripe. They outrebounded Nagoya DD 36-25 including 21 on the defensive glass. 29 personal fouls committed by Nagoya DD helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Power forward Scott Eatherton (206-1991, college: Northeastern, agency: BeoBasket) replied with 13 points and 8 rebounds for Nagoya DD. Ryukyu GK keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Nagoya DD. Ryukyu GK is looking forward to face Niigata A. (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Nagoya DD will play against Yokohama BC (#8) and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Gunma CT (3-1) which played road game in Nagano against their biggest opponent Shinshu BW (3-1). Third ranked Gunma CT managed to get a 8-point victory 71-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Shinshu BW. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and Michael Parker who added 14 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) responded with 13 points and 8 assists. Gunma CT keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Shinshu BW. Gunma CT will play against Alvark Tokyo (#4) on the road in the next round. Shinshu BW will play against Osaka E. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Akita NH (3-1) which played road game in Tokyo against top-ranked Hitachi SRT (3-1). Second ranked Akita NH managed to get a 7-point victory 95-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hitachi SRT. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The winners were led by Kerem Kanter who had that evening a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. Even 22 points and 5 rebounds by James McAdoo did not help to save the game for Hitachi SRT. Hitachi SRT's coach Tsutomu Isa rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Akita NH keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Hitachi SRT. Akita NH will meet league's second-placed Shimane SM on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hitachi SRT will play against the league's second-placed Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. FE Nagoya beat Kyoto H. on the road 73-58. Toyama G. won against Ibaraki R. on its own court 86-75. Winless Niigata A. unfortunately lost to Shiga L-Stars in a road game 100-107. Shimane SM managed to beat Yokohama BC at home 89-75. Winless Hokkaido L. was defeated by San-en NP on the opponent's court 93-80. Osaka E. lost to defending champion Tochigi Brex in a home game 82-87. Sendai 89ers lost to Sea Horses M. on the road 70-80. Kawasaki BT managed to outperform Hiroshima D. on its own court 78-70.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 30 points and 12 rebounds by Nick Fazekas of Kawasaki BT.

Kyoto H. - FE Nagoya 58-73

No shocking result in a game when top-ranked FE Nagoya (4-0) beat on the road 5th ranked Kyoto H. (2-2) 73-58 on Sunday. The winners were led by American forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and international Luke Evans (203-1991, college: CBU) supported him with 8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four FE Nagoya players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 7 assists by point guard Yoshiaki Kubota (175-1997) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. American forward Jarrod Uthoff (203-1993, college: Iowa) added 14 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FE Nagoya have a solid four-game winning streak. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Shimane SM. Kyoto H. at the other side dropped to the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with San-en NP and Shiga L-Stars. FE Nagoya will meet at home league's second-placed Kawasaki BT in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kyoto H. will play against Sea Horses M. in Kariya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: T.Sasayama 17, A.Randall 16+12reb+4ast, N.Reiya 13+1reb+4ast, J.Jones 11+6reb+1ast, J.Williams III 8+3reb+1ast, L.Evans 8+10reb+4ast
Kyoto H.: K.Yoshiaki 18+7ast, J.Uthoff 14+5reb, J.Mitsuda 11+2reb+2ast, C.Diallo 6+7reb, T.Lall 5+7reb, R.Aoki 2+3reb

Toyama G. - Ibaraki R. 86-75

There was a minor upset when one of their biggest challengers Ibaraki R. (1-3) lost on the road to seventh ranked Toyama G. (1-3) 86-75 on Sunday. Toyama G. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Brice Johnson (206-1994, college: UNC) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import center Joshua Smith (208-1992, college: Georgetown) supported him with 19 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 12 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists by American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. Guard Atsunobu Hirao (178-1989) added 17 points and 5 assists for lost side. Five Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyama G. left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Ibaraki R. Toyama G. will meet Hokkaido L. (#8) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against San-en NP (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: B.Johnson 26+11reb+6ast, J.Smith 19+10reb+2ast, C.Demps 12+5reb+6ast, K.Hareyama 9+2reb, S.Faye 6+1reb, T.Mito 4+2reb+6ast
Ibaraki R.: A.Hirao 17+1reb+5ast, Y.Hayato 13+6reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 13+2reb+1ast, C.Tapscott 12+15reb+5ast, E.Jacobsen 11+10reb, L.Peak 6+2reb

Shiga L-Stars - Niigata A. 107-100

There was a small surprise when eighth ranked Shiga L-Stars (2-2) won against at home bottom-ranked Niigata A. (0-4) 107-100 on Sunday. Shiga L-Stars forced 22 Niigata A. turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds and the former international guard Kai Toews (188-1998, college: UNCW) supported him with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 15 assists and 4 steals. Four Shiga L-Stars players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 32 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Niigata A.. American forward Keve Aluma (206-1998, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) added 25 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shiga L-Stars moved-up to fourth place, which they share with San-en NP and Kyoto H. Niigata A. at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Hokkaido L. and Yokohama BC. Shiga L-Stars will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#4) in the next round. Niigata A. will play against Ryukyu GK in Okinawa and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: I.Buva 39+14reb+1ast, K.Toews 23+7reb+15ast, K.Martin 12+6reb, K.Isaac Ravena 11+4reb+5ast, Y.Karino 9+1reb, K.Koya 4+4reb
Niigata A.: R.Allen 32+14reb+6ast, K.Aluma 25+10reb+8ast, T.Sugimoto 23+3reb+2ast, E.Zen 6+5reb+4ast, J.Crawford 5+5reb, K.Kimura 5+4reb+1ast

Shimane SM - Yokohama BC 89-75

Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Yokohama BC (0-4) lost on the road to top-ranked Shimane SM (4-0) 89-75 on Sunday. Shimane SM made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Shimane SM outrebounded Yokohama BC 42-28 including 31 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import forward Reid Travis (203-1995, college: Kentucky, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Even a double-double of 16 points and 11 assists by the former international guard Yuki Kawamura (169-2001) did not help to save the game for Yokohama BC. Czech Patrik Auda (204-1989, college: Seton Hall, agency: Octagon Europe) added 18 points for lost side. Five Shimane SM and four Yokohama BC players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Shimane SM have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with FE Nagoya. Yokohama BC at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Niigata A. and Hokkaido L.. Shimane SM will meet at home league's leader Akita NH in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yokohama BC will play against Nagoya DD (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: P.Buford 23+11reb+8ast, N.Kay 18+7reb+2ast, R.Travis 18+12reb, S.Ando 16+1reb+3ast, T.Shota 12+1reb+7ast, S.Goto 1
Yokohama BC: P.Auda 18+1reb+2ast, K.Yuki 16+3reb+11ast, C.Jackson 11+5reb, D.Oliver 10+8reb, K.King 6+1ast, M.Morikawa 5+1reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Ryukyu GK 82-91

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Nagoya DD (3-1) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by Ryukyu GK (3-1) 91-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Nagoya DD. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ryukyu GK made 27-of-35 free shots (77.1 percent) during the game, while Nagoya DD only scored ten points from the stripe. They outrebounded Nagoya DD 36-25 including 21 on the defensive glass. 29 personal fouls committed by Nagoya DD helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Power forward Scott Eatherton (206-1991, college: Northeastern, agency: BeoBasket) replied with 13 points and 8 rebounds and forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) added 15 points in the effort for Nagoya DD. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ryukyu GK keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Nagoya DD. Ryukyu GK is looking forward to face Niigata A. (#7) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Nagoya DD will play against Yokohama BC (#8) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: A.Durham 22+6reb+5ast, R.Kishimoto 15+1reb+3ast, J.Cooley 15+11reb+1ast, K.Imamura 14+5reb+2ast, J.Duncan 9+3reb+3ast, M.Yoshiyuki 8+3reb+1ast
Nagoya DD: C.Clarke 15+4reb+3ast, S.Eatherton 13+8reb+2ast, P.Ray 12+2reb, T.Saito 11+3reb+8ast, M.Ndour 8+7reb+3ast, T.Harimoto 7+1reb+1ast

San-en NP - Hokkaido L. 93-80

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked San-en NP (2-2) defeated bottom-ranked Hokkaido L. (0-4) in Hamamatsu 93-80 on Sunday. San-en NP dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Hokkaido L.'s 24. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Hokkaido L.'s players. The winners were led by American forward Yante Maten (203-1996, college: Georgia) who scored that evening 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks and the other American import center Isaiah Hicks (206-1994, college: UNC) supported him with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Five San-en NP players scored in double figures. Even 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by Filipino guard Dwight Ramos (193-1998, college: CPP) did not help to save the game for Hokkaido L.. The former international guard Ryoma Hashimoto (178-1988) added 23 points for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. San-en NP maintains fourth position with 2-2 record, which they share with Shiga L-Stars and Kyoto H. Hokkaido L. at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Niigata A. and Yokohama BC. San-en NP will meet Ibaraki R. (#5) in the next round. Hokkaido L. will play against Toyama G. and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: Y.Maten 24+8reb+1ast, I.Hicks 16+13reb+3ast, H.Kazuki 15+2reb+2ast, S.Ryusei 12+3reb+5ast, F.Ravena 10+8reb+6ast, K.Collinsworth 8+3reb+3ast
Hokkaido L.: R.Hashimoto 23+1reb+1ast, D.Ramos 20+7reb+4ast, B.Motum 15+8reb+2ast, S.Long 9+10reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 7+4reb+2ast, S.Terazono 3+1ast

Osaka E. - Tochigi Brex 82-87

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 7th ranked Osaka E. (1-3) lost at home to eighth ranked Tochigi Brex (1-3) 87-82 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Osaka E.'s 30. The winners were led by American power forward Josh Scott (208-1993, college: Colorado, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points and 10 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and South Korean Jae-Min Yang (201-1999, college: Neosho Co.) supported him with 15 points. Tochigi Brex's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Even 27 points and 5 assists by American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) did not help to save the game for Osaka E.. Point guard Tatsuya Suzuki (169-1991) added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Defending champion left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Osaka E. Tochigi Brex will meet Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round. Osaka E. will play against Shinshu BW and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: J.Scott 27+10reb+1ast, J.Yang 15+4reb+2ast, I.Fotu 10+4reb+1ast, J.Mavunga 8+2ast, M.Hiejima 8+2reb+3ast, K.Takeuchi 7+3reb
Osaka E.: D.Newbill 27+2reb+5ast, T.Suzuki 14+5reb+5ast, R.Goda 10+3reb+3ast, I.Brown 9+5reb+4ast, K.Hunt 8+6reb, K.Makoto 7

Sea Horses M. - Sendai 89ers 80-70

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when sixth ranked Sea Horses M. (1-3) beat 5th ranked Sendai 89ers (1-3) in Kariya 80-70 on Sunday. Sea Horses M. made 19-of-19 free shots (100 percent !!!) during the game, while Sendai 89ers only scored 0 point from the stripe. They outrebounded Sendai 89ers 36-23 including 23 on the defensive glass. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by center Kyle OQuinn (206-1990, college: Norfolk St., agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 26 points by Nathan Boothe (206-1994, college: Toledo) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. Power forward Gary Hamilton (208-1984, college: Miami, FL, agency: Inception Sports) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for lost side. Four Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sea Horses M. left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Sendai 89ers. Sea Horses M. will meet at home Kyoto H. (#6) in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against Tochigi Brex and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: K.O'Quinn 17+15reb+4ast, D.Gardner 17+5reb+4ast, Y.Nishida 14+1reb+3ast, T.Nakamura 9, A.Lawrence II 8+3reb+3ast, A.Schafer 6+6reb
Sendai 89ers: N.Boothe 26+2reb+1ast, G.Hamilton 12+5reb+8ast, O.Taiki 10+1reb, J.Burrell 10+3reb+3ast, K.Sawabe 3, T.Kato 3+2reb+1ast

Shinshu BW - Gunma CT 63-71

An interesting game for Gunma CT (3-1) which played road game in Nagano against their biggest opponent Shinshu BW (3-1). Third ranked Gunma CT managed to get a 8-point victory 71-63. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Shinshu BW. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and naturalized American forward Michael Parker (202-1981, college: Evergreen St.) who added 14 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) responded with 13 points and 8 assists and American center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Gunma CT keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Shinshu BW. Gunma CT will play against Alvark Tokyo (#4) on the road in the next round. Shinshu BW will play against Osaka E. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 26+7reb+8ast, J.Keenan 18+3reb+2ast, M.Parker 14+8reb+1ast, A.Hachimura 5+2reb, K.Tarczewski 4+6reb+1ast, A.Chambers 3+7reb+1ast
Shinshu BW: W.Marshall 16+5reb+1ast, K.Ko 13+3reb+2ast, O.Yuta 13+4reb+8ast, A.McHenry 8+5reb+2ast, J.Hawkinson 7+11reb+1ast, L.Kurihara 6+6reb

Hitachi SRT - Akita NH 88-95

An interesting game for Akita NH (3-1) which played road game in Tokyo against top-ranked Hitachi SRT (3-1). Second ranked Akita NH managed to get a 7-point victory 95-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hitachi SRT. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Akita NH made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by Turkish Kerem Kanter (207-1995, college: Xavier) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and American Stanton Kidd (202-1992, college: Colorado St.) supported him with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 22 points and 5 rebounds by American forward James McAdoo (206-1993, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Hitachi SRT. His fellow American import Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) added 14 points and 4 assists for lost side. Four Akita NH and five Hitachi SRT players scored in double figures. Hitachi SRT's coach Tsutomu Isa rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Akita NH keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Hitachi SRT. Akita NH will meet league's second-placed Shimane SM on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hitachi SRT will play against the league's second-placed Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: K.Kanter 21+10reb+3ast, S.Kidd 21+7reb+5ast, S.Taguchi 15, T.Furukawa 11+1reb+2ast, H.Noboru 10, T.Ito 6+7reb+6ast
Hitachi SRT: J.McAdoo 22+5reb+2ast, L.Vendrame 15+1reb+3ast, R.Kelly 14+3reb+4ast, N.You 13+2ast, K.Jones 11+3reb+1ast, K.Ishii 5+5reb+2ast

Kawasaki BT - Hiroshima D. 78-70

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when their biggest opponent Hiroshima D. (3-1) lost to third ranked Kawasaki BT (3-1) in Kanagawa 70-78 on Sunday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kawasaki BT made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. The winners were led by the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (211-1985, college: Nevada) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds and American power forward Michael Young (206-1994, college: Pittsburgh) supported him with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Even 14 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Hiroshima D.. His fellow American import forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kawasaki BT keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 8 other teams including defeated Hiroshima D. Kawasaki BT will meet league's leader FE Nagoya on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hiroshima D. will play against Shiga L-Stars and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 30+12reb+3ast, M.Young 18+12reb, Y.Fujii 11+1reb+8ast, R.Shinoyama 9+5reb+1ast, N.Kumagae 4+1ast, T.Hasegawa 3+1ast
Hiroshima D.: N.Tsuji 14+2reb+1ast, D.Evans 14+9reb+3ast, N.Mayo 14+8reb+3ast, T.Ryo 9+3ast, S.Ryo 6, K.Blackshear Jr. 5+4reb+4ast



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