B1 League Round 16 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fourth defeat of league's leader Hiroshima D. (12-4) against seventh ranked Osaka E. (6-10) 80-75 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hiroshima D.. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 8 rebounds. The former international forward Ira Brown (193-1982, college: Gonzaga) contributed with 21 points for the winners. American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds for Hiroshima D.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Osaka E. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Hiroshima D. at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with Nagoya DD and Shimane SM. They were replaced at the leadership position by Ryukyu GK. Hiroshima D. will play next round against Niigata A. trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Osaka E. will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Sendai 89ers on the road.
Important game to mention about took place in Mito. Eighth ranked Ibaraki R. (5-11) saved a 3-point victory at home edging much higher ranked Gunma CT (11-5) 88-85 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and Hayato Yamaguchi who added 15 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) responded with 21 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Ibaraki R. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Hokkaido L. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. They share it with Alvark Tokyo. Ibaraki R. will play against league's leader Ryukyu GK in Okinawa in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Gunma CT will play at home against Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Tochigi between Yokohama BC and Tochigi Brex. Fourth ranked Yokohama BC (8-8) got a very close victory on the road over their close opponent Tochigi Brex (8-8). Yokohama BC managed to escape with a 1-point win 73-72 in the fight for the third place. The winners were led by Yuki Kawamura who scored that evening 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Yokohama BC's coach Taketo Aoki used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points and 9 rebounds by Josh Scott did not help to save the game for Tochigi Brex. Yokohama BC moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Tochigi Brex. Yokohama BC will meet at home San-en NP (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Tochigi Brex will play against Toyama G. and hope to secure a win.

Other games in round 16 were not that significant. Sendai 89ers was beaten by Niigata A. on the road 79-75. Hokkaido L. won against Shiga L-Stars on its own court 88-84. Shimane SM unfortunately lost to Kawasaki BT in Kanagawa 64-80. Chiba Jets managed to beat Akita NH at home 75-67. Toyama G. was defeated by Nagoya DD on the opponent's court 81-93. Kyoto H. was beaten by Shinshu BW in a home game 85-90. Ryukyu GK won against FE Nagoya on the road 92-75. San-en NP was outscored by Alvark Tokyo on its own court 61-82. Hitachi SRT rolled over Sea Horses M. in Tokyo 81-61. Kawasaki BT was crushed by Shimane SM at home 61-89.
The most impressive performance of 16th round was 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists by Nick Kay of Shimane SM.

Niigata A. - Sendai 89ers 79-75

There was a small surprise when eighth ranked Niigata A. (2-14) beat at home 6th ranked Sendai 89ers (6-10) 79-75 on Sunday. The winners were led by American forward Keve Aluma (206-1998, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds and Jamaican center Kofi Cockburn (213-1999, college: Illinois) supported him with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Four Niigata A. players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists by American forward Rashawn Thomas (203-1994, college: TAMUCC) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. His fellow American import Nathan Boothe (206-1994, college: Toledo) added 17 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Sendai 89ers' coach Hiroki Fujita tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Niigata A. maintains eighth position with 2-14 record. Newly promoted Sendai 89ers dropped to the fifth place with ten games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Niigata A. will meet league's second-placed Hiroshima D. on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Sendai 89ers will play against Osaka E. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: R.Thomas 28+12reb+6ast, N.Boothe 17+9reb+3ast, K.Sawabe 10+5reb+3ast, W.Shota 8+1reb, J.Burrell 4+4reb+2ast, T.Kato 3+1ast
Niigata A.: K.Aluma 20+12reb+2ast, T.Sugimoto 15+2reb, K.Cockburn 13+11reb+2ast, K.Kimura 12+5reb+3ast, E.Zen 10+2reb+3ast, T.Shogo 3+1reb

Hokkaido L. - Shiga L-Stars 88-84

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked Shiga L-Stars' (3-13) road loss to seventh ranked Hokkaido L. (5-11) in Sapporo 84-88 on Sunday. Hokkaido L. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 28 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU) supported him with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Even a double-double of 22 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists by American forward Kelvin Martin (196-1989, college: Charleston So.) did not help to save the game for Shiga L-Stars. Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) added 16 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Hokkaido L. maintains seventh position with 5-11 record, which they share with Ibaraki R. Loser Shiga L-Stars keep the eighth place with 13 games lost. Hokkaido L. will meet higher ranked Shinshu BW (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shiga L-Stars will play against Sea Horses M. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: K.Martin 22+14reb+9ast, D.Doblas 16+5reb+1ast, K.Toews 12+3reb+3ast, M.Naoto 11+1reb, T.Kashiwagura 8+1reb+5ast, N.Daichi 5+4reb+4ast
Hokkaido L.: S.Long 28+15reb+4ast, B.Motum 28+13reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 12+1reb+2ast, N.Tsukasa 7+2reb+1ast, R.Sakurai 7+3ast, R.Hashimoto 5+2reb+5ast

Kawasaki BT - Shimane SM 80-64

Rather predictable result when second ranked Kawasaki BT (9-7) won against one of their biggest challengers Shimane SM (12-4) in Kanagawa 80-64 on Sunday. Kawasaki BT outrebounded Shimane SM 47-33 including a 37-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 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 27 points and 12 rebounds and American power forward Michael Young (206-1994, college: Pittsburgh) supported him with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Even 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists by Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) did not help to save the game for Shimane SM. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) added 12 points, 5 assists and 4 steals for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kawasaki BT maintains second position with 9-7 record behind leader Ryukyu GK which they share with defeated Shimane SM. Loser Shimane SM dropped to the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Nagoya DD and Hiroshima D.. Kawasaki BT will meet Akita NH (#5) on the road in the next round. Shimane SM will play against the league's leader Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: N.Kay 18+9reb+4ast, P.Buford 12+4reb+5ast, S.Ando 12+1reb+1ast, D.Taniguchi 6+1reb, T.Shota 5+1ast, R.Abe 3+4reb
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 27+12reb+2ast, M.Young 12+10reb+3ast, S.Maeta 11+3reb+1ast, N.Yuto 10+1reb+2ast, Y.Fujii 7+1reb+8ast, Y.Kamata 7+4reb

Chiba Jets - Akita NH 75-67

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Akita NH (7-9) lost on the road to first ranked Chiba Jets (13-3) 75-67 on Sunday. Chiba Jets dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Akita NH's 26. The winners were led by the former international power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 19 points and 13 rebounds and American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 13 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists by American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) did not help to save the game for Akita NH. The former international swingman Takatoshi Furukawa (190-1987) added 17 points for lost side. Akita NH's coach Kenzo Maeda rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Chiba Jets have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-3 record, which they share with Ryukyu GK. Loser Akita NH keeps the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Kyoto H.. Chiba Jets will meet Shimane SM (#4) on the road in the next round. Akita NH will play against the league's second-placed Kawasaki BT and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: T.Furukawa 17+2reb+1ast, S.Zack 13+20reb+4ast, S.Kidd 11+2reb+3ast, S.Taguchi 9+5reb+1ast, H.Kawashima 8+1reb+2ast, T.Nakayama 5+5reb+2ast
Chiba Jets: G.Edwards 19+13reb+2ast, V.Law 16+5reb+3ast, Y.Togashi 11+3reb+8ast, S.Hara 9+1reb+1ast, C.Smith 8+8reb+2ast, T.Sato 6+4reb

Nagoya DD - Toyama G. 93-81

Everything went according to plan when fourth ranked Nagoya DD (12-4) defeated at home 7th ranked Toyama G. (4-12) 93-81 on Sunday. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The winners were led by American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) who scored that evening 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Filipino guard Ray Parks (193-1993, agency: BIG) supported him with 13 points and 6 assists. Four Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 29 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Brice Johnson (206-1994, college: UNC) did not help to save the game for Toyama G.. His fellow American import center Joshua Smith (208-1992, college: Georgetown) added 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Toyama G.'s coach Honoo Hamaguchi rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Nagoya DD moved-up to second place, which they share with Hiroshima D. and Shimane SM. Loser Toyama G. keeps the seventh position with 12 games lost. Nagoya DD will meet Gunma CT (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Toyama G. will play against Tochigi Brex (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: B.Johnson 29+12reb+1ast, J.Smith 19+10reb+4ast, R.Ono 11+2reb+1ast, K.Hareyama 7+4reb+2ast, N.Yoshiyuki 5+1reb+1ast, S.Faye 4+3reb
Nagoya DD: C.Clarke 28+7reb+4ast, M.Ndour 14+6reb+1ast, P.Ray 13+2reb+6ast, S.Eatherton 11+7reb+1ast, T.Harimoto 10+1reb+1ast, T.Saito 8+1reb+8ast

Ibaraki R. - Gunma CT 88-85

Important game to mention about took place in Mito. Eighth ranked Ibaraki R. (5-11) saved a 3-point victory at home edging much higher ranked Gunma CT (11-5) 88-85 on Sunday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. Ibaraki R. players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) who helped to win the game recording 26 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (194-1998) who added 15 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) responded with 21 points and 4 assists and naturalized American forward Michael Parker (202-1981, college: Evergreen St.) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Five Ibaraki R. and four Gunma CT players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Ibaraki R. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Hokkaido L. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. They share it with Alvark Tokyo. Ibaraki R. will play against league's leader Ryukyu GK in Okinawa in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Gunma CT will play at home against Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 21+2reb+4ast, M.Parker 15+6reb+3ast, A.Chambers 13+1reb+7ast, J.Keenan 13+3reb+2ast, N.Namizato 9+1reb+6ast, K.Tarczewski 8+6reb+1ast
Ibaraki R.: C.Tapscott 26+9reb+8ast, T.Kennedy 16+2reb+1ast, Y.Hayato 15+7reb+2ast, E.Jacobsen 12+8reb+3ast, A.Tajima 11+2ast, A.Hirao 6+1reb+4ast

Kyoto H. - Shinshu BW 85-90

There was a minor upset when their close opponent Kyoto H. (7-9) lost at home to sixth ranked Shinshu BW (6-10) 90-85 on Sunday. Shinshu BW outrebounded Kyoto H. 35-22 including 24 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by American forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who scored that evening 31 points and 7 rebounds and naturalized American guard Louis Kurihara (188-1996, college: Whittier) supported him with 13 points and 7 assists. Even 25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals by American forward Jarrod Uthoff (203-1993, college: Iowa) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. Point guard Yoshiaki Kubota (175-1997) added 22 points and 13 assists for lost side. Four Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. Kyoto H.'s coach Roy Rana rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Shinshu BW moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Kyoto H. dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. They share it with Akita NH. Shinshu BW will meet at home Hokkaido L. (#7) in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against the league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: J.Uthoff 25+9reb+4ast, K.Yoshiaki 22+2reb+13ast, C.Diallo 16+7reb+2ast, J.Mitsuda 11+2reb+2ast, M.Wright 8, T.Ozawa 3
Shinshu BW: J.Hawkinson 31+7reb, S.Takumi 15+2reb, L.Kurihara 13+3reb+7ast, A.McHenry 9+9reb+5ast, M.Reo 8+4reb+9ast, K.Mitsui 7+4reb

FE Nagoya - Ryukyu GK 75-92

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Ryukyu GK (13-3) beat on the road 5th ranked FE Nagoya (8-8) 92-75 on Sunday. Ryukyu GK dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to FE Nagoya's 22 and made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. They outrebounded FE Nagoya 34-17 including a 26-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 24 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Josh Duncan (203-1986) supported him with 12 points and 6 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). 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. Even 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) did not help to save the game for FE Nagoya. Forward Andrew Randall (198-1990, college: Temple) added 25 points (made all of his seven free throws) for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ryukyu GK have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Chiba Jets. FE Nagoya lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the third place with eight games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Ryukyu GK will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. FE Nagoya will play against the league's leader Hitachi SRT (#1) in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Randall 25+2reb+2ast, J.Jones 18+7reb+4ast, L.Evans 16+2reb+3ast, T.Soma 7+2reb+3ast, N.Reiya 3+1reb+1ast, T.Sasayama 3+1reb+2ast
Ryukyu GK: A.Durham 24+15reb+4ast, R.Kishimoto 15+1reb+3ast, J.Duncan 12+6reb+2ast, K.Imamura 11+4reb+3ast, J.Cooley 8+6reb+2ast, S.Onodera 6+1reb+1ast

San-en NP - Alvark Tokyo 61-82

There was a minor upset when their close opponent San-en NP (8-8) was smashed by third ranked Alvark Tokyo (11-5) in Hamamatsu 82-61 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded San-en NP 41-25 including a 31-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. The winners were led by Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points and 18 rebounds and international forward Ryan Rossiter (204-1989, college: Siena) supported him with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Five Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. Even 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals by Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-1996) did not help to save the game for San-en NP. American center Daniel Giddens (213-1997, college: Vermont) added 12 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Alvark Tokyo moved-up to second place, which they share with Gunma CT. San-en NP lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the third position with eight games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Alvark Tokyo will meet at home Kyoto H. (#6) in the next round. San-en NP will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: F.Ravena 17+6reb+4ast, D.Giddens 12+8reb, H.Kazuki 11+4reb+1ast, S.Ryusei 6+2reb+2ast, H.Ryota 6, A.Ota 4+1reb
Alvark Tokyo: S.Ando 13+1ast, D.Tanaka 11+1reb+2ast, A.Kirk 11+3reb+2ast, S.Saiz 11+18reb+1ast, J.Cobbs 11+1reb+6ast, R.Rossiter 11+9reb+3ast

Osaka E. - Hiroshima D. 80-75

Fourth defeat of league's leader Hiroshima D. (12-4) against seventh ranked Osaka E. (6-10) 80-75 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hiroshima D.. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who helped to win the game recording 15 points and 8 rebounds. The former international forward Ira Brown (193-1982, college: Gonzaga) contributed with 21 points for the winners. Four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with 15 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) added 12 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Hiroshima D.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Osaka E. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Hiroshima D. at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with Nagoya DD and Shimane SM. They were replaced at the leadership position by Ryukyu GK. Hiroshima D. will play next round against Niigata A. trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Osaka E. will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Sendai 89ers on the road.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 15+8reb+2ast, N.Tsuji 14+2reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 12+5reb+3ast, N.Mayo 8+2reb+2ast, I.Murphy 8+2reb, K.Toshiki 8+1reb+2ast
Osaka E.: I.Brown 21+2reb+2ast, K.Makoto 17+2reb+3ast, K.Hunt 16+4reb, D.Newbill 15+8reb+3ast, S.O'Mara 4+6reb+6ast, T.Suzuki 3+1reb+5ast

Sea Horses M. - Hitachi SRT 61-81

Rather predictable result when first ranked Hitachi SRT (10-6) rolled over 5th ranked Sea Horses M. (6-10) in Kariya 81-61 on Sunday. Hitachi SRT looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American forward Kevin Jones (206-1989, college: WVU) who scored that evening 18 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) supported him with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Four Hitachi SRT players scored in double figures. Even 23 points and 9 rebounds (made all of his nine free throws !!!) by American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) did not help to save the game for Sea Horses M.. The former international forward Yudai Nishida (188-1999) added 11 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hitachi SRT maintains first position with 10-6 record. Loser Sea Horses M. keeps the fifth place with ten games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Hitachi SRT will meet at home FE Nagoya (#5) in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against Shiga L-Stars and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 23+9reb+3ast, Y.Nishida 11+3reb+1ast, B.Jawato 5+3reb+2ast, T.Nakamura 4+3reb+1ast, N.Satoshi 4+4reb+3ast, R.Sumino 4+2reb
Hitachi SRT: R.Kelly 19+5reb+1ast, K.Jones 18+7reb+1ast, J.McAdoo 14+7reb+2ast, K.Ishii 10+2ast, L.Vendrame 8+2reb+6ast, N.You 4+2ast

Tochigi Brex - Yokohama BC 72-73

A very close game took place in Tochigi between Yokohama BC and Tochigi Brex. Fourth ranked Yokohama BC (8-8) got a very close victory on the road over their close opponent Tochigi Brex (8-8). Yokohama BC managed to escape with a 1-point win 73-72 in the fight for the third place. The winners were led by the former international guard Yuki Kawamura (169-2001) who scored that evening 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 6 assists and American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) supported him with 9 points and 7 rebounds. Yokohama BC's coach Taketo Aoki used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points and 9 rebounds by American power forward Josh Scott (208-1993, college: Colorado, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Tochigi Brex. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) added 12 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Yokohama BC moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Tochigi Brex. Yokohama BC will meet at home San-en NP (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Tochigi Brex will play against Toyama G. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: J.Scott 17+9reb+3ast, I.Fotu 12+6reb+1ast, Y.Endo 10+2reb+1ast, M.Hiejima 9+2reb+8ast, S.Kitagawa 8+1ast, S.Ikaruga 7+2reb+3ast
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 34+5reb+6ast, C.Jackson 9+7reb, P.Auda 8+3reb+1ast, D.Oliver 7+2reb+1ast, K.King 5+1reb+2ast, O.Takeru 3

Kawasaki BT - Shimane SM 61-89

There was a minor upset when much higher ranked Kawasaki BT (9-7) was outscored by fourth ranked Shimane SM (12-4) in Kanagawa 89-61 on Monday. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) who scored that evening 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Even 13 points and 8 rebounds by the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (211-1985, college: Nevada) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki BT. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) added 14 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Shimane SM moved-up to second place, which they share with Nagoya DD and Hiroshima D. Loser Kawasaki BT keeps the second position with seven games lost. Shimane SM will meet at home league's leader Chiba Jets in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kawasaki BT will play against Akita NH and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: J.Heath 14+7reb+1ast, N.Fazekas 13+8reb+3ast, R.Shinoyama 10+1reb+2ast, M.Young 7+7reb+6ast, K.Masuda 6+2reb, S.Maeta 5+2ast
Shimane SM: N.Kay 33+9reb+5ast, N.Williams 22+8reb+4ast, P.Buford 20+8reb+10ast, T.Shota 7+3reb+1ast, S.Ando 5+2reb+4ast, D.Taniguchi 2+1ast



Tags : D.J. NEWBILL, OSAKA EVESSA, JAPANESE BASKETBALL