B1 League Round 15: Hitachi SRT lose to Sea Horses M.

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Hitachi SRT (9-6) recorded its sixth loss in Kariya on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Sea Horses M. (6-9) 97-91. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hitachi SRT. Sea Horses M. made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Sea Horses M. had a 30-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). American-Bulgarian power forward Cedric Simmons (206-1986, college: NC State) chipped in 10 points and 13 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) who recorded 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sea Horses M. maintains fifth place with 6-9 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Hitachi SRT at the other side still keeps top position with six games lost. Sea Horses M. is again looking forward to face league's leader Hitachi SRT in Tokyo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hitachi SRT will have a break next round.
Eighth-ranked Ibaraki R. (4-11) made lots of trouble for second ranked Gunma CT (11-4) in Mito. The visitors from Gunma managed to secure only two-point victory 90-88. However their fans expected much easier game. It was a good game for American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who led his team to a victory with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Michael Parker contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Gunma CT's coach Kota Mizuno allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Guard Atsunobu Hirao (178-1989) answered with 24 points and 5 rebounds for Ibaraki R.Gunma CT maintains second place with 11-4 record having just two point less than leader Hiroshima D., which they share with Nagoya DD. Ibaraki R. lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Toyama G. and Hokkaido L.. Gunma CT will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ibaraki R. will play again at home against the league's second-placed Gunma CT (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Kyoto between Kyoto H. and Shinshu BW. Sixth ranked Kyoto H. (7-8) got a very close home victory over their close opponent Shinshu BW (5-10). Kyoto H. managed to escape with a 1-point win 72-71 on Saturday evening. It was a great evening for Cheick Diallo who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Josh Hawkinson with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Kyoto H. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH and Yokohama BC. Shinshu BW lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with ten games lost. They share it with Osaka E.. Kyoto H. will again meet at home Shinshu BW (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will have a break next round.

Other games of round 15 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Akita NH was defeated by Chiba Jets in a road game 89-78. Nagoya DD smashed Toyama G. at home 91-72. Shiga L-Stars won against Hokkaido L. on the opponent's court 115-108. FE Nagoya unfortunately lost to Ryukyu GK in a home game 64-74. Alvark Tokyo managed to beat San-en NP on the road 79-65. Tochigi Brex was defeated by Yokohama BC on its own court 77-87. Hiroshima D. beat Osaka E. in a road game 78-69. Niigata A. lost to Sendai 89ers at home 86-91.
The best stats of 15th round was 31 points and 16 rebounds by Kofi Cockburn of Niigata A..

Chiba Jets - Akita NH 89-78

There was no surprise when 5th ranked Akita NH (7-8) was defeated on the road by first ranked Chiba Jets (12-3) 89-78 on Saturday. It was a great evening for American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. The former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) helped adding 23 points and 4 assists. Four Chiba Jets players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists and the other American import Stanton Kidd (202-1992, college: Colorado St.) scored 22 points and 5 rebounds. Akita NH's coach Kenzo Maeda rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Chiba Jets have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-3 record, which they share with Ryukyu GK and Hiroshima D. Loser Akita NH dropped to the fourth position with eight games lost. They share it with Kyoto H. and Yokohama BC. Chiba Jets will again meet at home Akita NH (#5) in the next round. Akita NH will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: S.Kidd 22+5reb+1ast, T.Ito 14+4reb+3ast, T.Furukawa 13+1ast, S.Taguchi 8+1reb+2ast, S.Zack 8+12reb+9ast, H.Kawashima 6+1ast
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 23+3reb+4ast, C.Smith 21+6reb+2ast, V.Law 20+10reb+2ast, S.Hara 17+6reb+2ast, G.Edwards 5+7reb+4ast, T.Sato 3+2reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Toyama G. 91-72

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Nagoya DD (11-4) smashed at home 7th ranked Toyama G. (4-11) 91-72 on Saturday. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Power forward Scott Eatherton (206-1991, college: Northeastern, agency: BeoBasket) helped adding 19 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Four Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was center Joshua Smith (208-1992, college: Georgetown) with 10 points and 9 rebounds and guard Cody Demps (193-1993, college: Sacramento St.) scored 16 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Nagoya DD moved-up to second place, which they share with Gunma CT. Loser Toyama G. keeps the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L. and Ibaraki R.. Nagoya DD will again meet at home Toyama G. (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Toyama G. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: C.Demps 16+1reb+2ast, J.Smith 10+9reb+1ast, B.Johnson 10+6reb+2ast, K.Hareyama 9+3ast, N.Yoshiyuki 8+2reb+3ast, S.Faye 7+2reb
Nagoya DD: C.Clarke 24+6reb+4ast, S.Eatherton 19+11reb+2ast, T.Saito 18+4reb+7ast, T.Harimoto 11+1reb+2ast, P.Ray 7+6reb+6ast, Y.Suda 6+1ast

Hokkaido L. - Shiga L-Stars 108-115

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Sapporo where 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (4-11) was defeated by eighth ranked Shiga L-Stars (3-12) 115-108 on Saturday. Shiga L-Stars made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Kelvin Martin (196-1989, college: Charleston So.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 29 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. The former international guard Kai Toews (188-1998, college: UNCW) helped adding 32 points and 15 assists. Shiga L-Stars' coach Luis Guil used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU) scored 27 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shiga L-Stars maintains eighth place with 3-12 record. Hokkaido L. lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Toyama G. and Ibaraki R.. Shiga L-Stars will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hokkaido L. will play again against Shiga L-Stars (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: B.Motum 27+7reb+2ast, S.Long 27+12reb+1ast, K.Takahashi 20+1reb+6ast, R.Hashimoto 13+3reb+6ast, A.Hayate 8+1reb+1ast, N.Tsukasa 7+2reb+2ast
Shiga L-Stars: K.Toews 32+3reb+15ast, K.Martin 29+18reb+5ast, Y.Karino 21+2reb, D.Doblas 10+5reb, T.King 9+5reb+1ast, T.Kashiwagura 6+1reb+3ast

Kyoto H. - Shinshu BW 72-71

A very close game took place in Kyoto between Kyoto H. and Shinshu BW. Sixth ranked Kyoto H. (7-8) got a very close home victory over their close opponent Shinshu BW (5-10). Kyoto H. managed to escape with a 1-point win 72-71 on Saturday evening. It was a great evening for Mali power forward Cheick Diallo (206-1996, college: Kansas) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Yoshiaki Kubota (175-1997) helped adding 17 points. The best for the losing side was American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) with 22 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized American guard Louis Kurihara (188-1996, college: Whittier) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Shinshu BW players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Kyoto H. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH and Yokohama BC. Shinshu BW lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with ten games lost. They share it with Osaka E.. Kyoto H. will again meet at home Shinshu BW (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: J.Hawkinson 22+5reb, M.Reo 11+2reb+4ast, L.Kurihara 11+9reb+5ast, A.McHenry 10+5reb+1ast, O.Yuta 7+3reb+6ast, W.Mosley 7+9reb+5ast
Kyoto H.: C.Diallo 18+12reb+2ast, K.Yoshiaki 17+4reb+3ast, J.Uthoff 14+6reb+1ast, J.Mitsuda 6+2reb, T.Ozawa 5+1reb+1ast, M.Wright 5+5ast

FE Nagoya - Ryukyu GK 64-74

Rather predictable result when third ranked Ryukyu GK (12-3) beat on the road 5th ranked FE Nagoya (8-7) 74-64 on Saturday. Ryukyu GK looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 rebounds. Power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) helped adding 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Ryukyu GK players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and power forward Johnathan Williams III (206-1995, college: Gonzaga) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ryukyu GK keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba Jets and Hiroshima D. Newly promoted FE Nagoya dropped to the third place with seven games lost. They share the position with San-en NP and Tochigi Brex. Ryukyu GK will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FE Nagoya will play again against the league's second-placed Ryukyu GK and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: J.Jones 17+10reb+5ast, J.Williams III 12+7reb, K.Ishikawa 9, T.Soma 9+2reb+1ast, N.Reiya 5+2reb+1ast, L.Evans 5+5reb+2ast
Ryukyu GK: J.Cooley 16+15reb+2ast, A.Durham 15+10reb+6ast, K.Imamura 14+3reb+5ast, R.Kishimoto 11+1reb+2ast, M.Yoshiyuki 6+1reb, K.Flippin 5+2ast

San-en NP - Alvark Tokyo 65-79

There was a minor upset in Hamamatsu where their close opponent San-en NP (8-7) was defeated by third ranked Alvark Tokyo (10-5) 79-65 on Saturday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded San-en NP 38-27 including 25 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points and 9 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). International forward Ryan Rossiter (204-1989, college: Siena) helped adding 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American center Isaiah Hicks (206-1994, college: UNC) with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Ryusei Sasaki (180-1996) scored 16 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Alvark Tokyo maintains third place with 10-5 record having just one point less than leader Hiroshima D. which they share with defeated San-en NP. San-en NP lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third position with seven games lost. They share it with FE Nagoya and Tochigi Brex. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. San-en NP will play again against Alvark Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: S.Ryusei 16+2reb, H.Kazuki 13+1reb, H.Ryota 12, I.Hicks 9+11reb+4ast, A.Ota 6+1reb+3ast, D.Giddens 3+6reb+1ast
Alvark Tokyo: A.Kirk 17+9reb+1ast, S.Ando 14+2reb+1ast, R.Rossiter 10+7reb+4ast, J.Cobbs 10+2reb+1ast, D.Tanaka 10+1reb+1ast, S.Saiz 6+10reb+3ast

Sea Horses M. - Hitachi SRT 97-91

Top ranked Hitachi SRT (9-6) recorded its sixth loss in Kariya on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Sea Horses M. (6-9) 97-91. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hitachi SRT. Sea Horses M. made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Sea Horses M. had a 30-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who had a double-double by scoring 29 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). American-Bulgarian power forward Cedric Simmons (206-1986, college: NC State) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 13 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) who recorded 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and international point guard Leo Vendrame (183-1993) added 14 points and 5 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sea Horses M. maintains fifth place with 6-9 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Hitachi SRT at the other side still keeps top position with six games lost. Sea Horses M. is again looking forward to face league's leader Hitachi SRT in Tokyo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hitachi SRT will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: R.Kelly 25+7reb+5ast, L.Vendrame 14+2reb+5ast, K.Jones 13+2reb+1ast, J.McAdoo 11+6reb, S.Tawatari 9+2reb+2ast, N.You 8+5reb
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 29+15reb+5ast, T.Nakamura 20+2reb+1ast, Y.Nishida 13+1ast, C.Simmons 10+13reb+1ast, K.Hashimoto 9+2reb+1ast, A.Schafer 7+3reb+2ast

Tochigi Brex - Yokohama BC 77-87

There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Yokohama BC (7-8) won against on the road their close opponent Tochigi Brex (8-7) 87-77 on Saturday. It was a great evening for the former international guard Yuki Kawamura (169-2001) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 13 assists and 4 steals. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) helped adding 12 points and 11 rebounds. The best for the losing side was the former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (190-1990) with 22 points and American power forward Josh Scott (208-1993, college: Colorado, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Yokohama BC maintains fourth place with 7-8 record, which they share with Akita NH and Kyoto H. Defending champion Tochigi Brex dropped to the third position with seven games lost. They share it with FE Nagoya and San-en NP. Yokohama BC will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tochigi Brex will play again against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: M.Hiejima 22+2reb+3ast, I.Fotu 15+4reb+1ast, J.Scott 14+11reb+1ast, Y.Endo 12+3reb+3ast, K.Takeuchi 7+6reb+1ast, A.Hirohide 4+5reb+3ast
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 32+3reb+13ast, C.Jackson 12+11reb, D.Oliver 11+4reb+2ast, K.King 10+1reb, P.Auda 7+5reb+2ast, M.Morikawa 5+2reb+2ast

Ibaraki R. - Gunma CT 88-90

Eighth-ranked Ibaraki R. (4-11) made lots of trouble for second ranked Gunma CT (11-4) in Mito. The visitors from Gunma managed to secure only two-point victory 90-88. However their fans expected much easier game. Gunma CT dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Ibaraki R.'s 32. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Gunma CT brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. It was a good game for American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who led his team to a victory with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Naturalized American forward Michael Parker (202-1981, college: Evergreen St.) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) for the winners. Gunma CT's coach Kota Mizuno allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Guard Atsunobu Hirao (178-1989) answered with 24 points and 5 rebounds and American Eric Jacobsen (208-1994, college: Arizona St.) added 16 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Ibaraki R.Five Gunma CT and four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Gunma CT maintains second place with 11-4 record having just two point less than leader Hiroshima D., which they share with Nagoya DD. Ibaraki R. lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 11 games lost. They share it with Toyama G. and Hokkaido L.. Gunma CT will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ibaraki R. will play again at home against the league's second-placed Gunma CT (#2) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: A.Hirao 24+5reb+2ast, T.Kennedy 22+2reb, E.Jacobsen 16+11reb+3ast, C.Tapscott 12+5reb+3ast, K.Fukuzawa 7+4ast, A.Tajima 4+4reb+5ast
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 20+6reb+4ast, M.Parker 19+6reb+1ast, K.Tarczewski 12+12reb+2ast, A.Chambers 12+7reb+1ast, N.Namizato 12+1reb+11ast, J.Keenan 7+4reb+2ast

Osaka E. - Hiroshima D. 69-78

There was no surprise when 7th ranked Osaka E. (5-10) was defeated at home by first ranked Hiroshima D. (12-3) 78-69 on Saturday. It was a great evening for American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 12 points and 9 rebounds. Four Hiroshima D. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) with 21 points and American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) scored 7 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hiroshima D. have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-3 record, which they share with Chiba Jets and Ryukyu GK. Loser Osaka E. dropped to the sixth position with ten games lost. They share it with Shinshu BW. Hiroshima D. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Osaka E. will play again against the league's leader Hiroshima D. (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: D.Newbill 21+4reb+3ast, E.Kojima-Donley 7+5reb+1ast, S.O'Mara 7+4reb+1ast, K.Hunt 7+8reb+3ast, I.Brown 6+4reb+1ast, J.Takeuchi 6+3reb
Hiroshima D.: N.Tsuji 16+2reb+5ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 15+8reb+5ast, N.Mayo 13+6reb, D.Evans 12+9reb+2ast, I.Murphy 9+2reb+1ast, T.Ryo 6+1reb+2ast

Niigata A. - Sendai 89ers 86-91

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Sendai 89ers (6-9) defeated on the road 8th ranked Niigata A. (1-14) 91-86 on Saturday. Sendai 89ers looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Rashawn Thomas (203-1994, college: TAMUCC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import forward Justin Burrell (207-1988, college: St.John's) helped adding 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 16 rebounds and American forward Keve Aluma (206-1998, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 25 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Sendai 89ers have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Niigata A. lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 14 games lost. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Niigata A. will play again against Sendai 89ers (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Niigata A.: K.Cockburn 31+16reb+3ast, K.Aluma 25+6reb+3ast, E.Zen 15+4reb+5ast, K.Kimura 8+5reb+3ast, T.Sugimoto 5+10reb+2ast, Y.Ikeda 2
Sendai 89ers: R.Thomas 25+13reb+5ast, N.Boothe 21+4reb, J.Burrell 13+11reb+6ast, R.Kobayashi 12+1reb+4ast, S.Tanaka 6+1reb, K.Sawabe 4+4reb+2ast



Tags : DAVANTE GARDNER, SEAHORSES MIKAWA, JAPANESE BASKETBALL