B1 League Round 6 (Regular Season): Alvark Tokyo defeats FE Nagoya

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 a loss of FE Nagoya (4-0) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were rolled over by Alvark Tokyo (5-1) 83-49. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of FE Nagoya. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 4-1 record before this meeting. They outrebounded FE Nagoya 39-22 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by FE Nagoya's players. It was a good game for Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Lithuanian center Arturas Gudaitis (211-1993) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Sean O'Mara (208-1995, college: Xavier) replied with 17 points for FE Nagoya. 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 maintains first position with 5-1 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted FE Nagoya dropped to the third place with 0 game lost. Alvark Tokyo is looking forward to face Akita NH (#4) at home in the next round. FE Nagoya will play against the league's second-placed San-en NP in Hamamatsu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Seventh-ranked Saga B. (1-5) was very close to win a game against fifth ranked Shimane SM (5-1). Shimane SM managed to secure only three-point victory 61-58. However their fans expected easier game. American forward Perrin Buford (198, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Nick Kay chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) with 20 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shimane SM have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted Saga B. dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Shimane SM will play against Nagasaki (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Saga B. will play against Shinshu BW and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Nagoya DD (6-2) which played road game in Nagano against 4th ranked Shinshu BW (2-4). Second ranked Nagoya DD had an easy win 101-75. Robert Franks notched 22 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort. Nagoya DD's coach Shawn Dennis felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 18 points by Stanton Kidd did not help to save the game for Shinshu BW. Nagoya DD maintains second position with 6-2 record having just three point less than leader Osaka E. Shinshu BW lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Nagoya DD will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will play against Saga B. and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Kyoto H. beat Akita NH on the road 88-70. Hiroshima D. lost to Tochigi Brex on its own court 60-71. Nagasaki managed to outperform Hitachi SRT in a road game 91-74. Yokohama BC lost to defending champion Ryukyu GK at home 70-88. Sendai 89ers was defeated by Chiba Jets on the opponent's court 90-99. San-en NP beat Gunma CT in a home game 95-78. Hokkaido L. was destroyed by Sea Horses M. on the road 78-56. Winless Ibaraki R. lost to undefeated Osaka E. on its own court 85-93.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 26 points and 13 rebounds by Shawn Long of Osaka E..



Shimane SM - Saga B. 61-58

Seventh-ranked Saga B. (1-5) was very close to win a game against fifth ranked Shimane SM (5-1). Shimane SM managed to secure only three-point victory 61-58. However their fans expected easier game. American forward Perrin Buford (198, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) with 20 points and point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Shimane SM have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted Saga B. dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Shimane SM will play against Nagasaki (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Saga B. will play against Shinshu BW and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 20+3reb+1ast, S.Taiki 12+5reb+5ast, C.Fieler 10+5reb+2ast, J.Harrellson 7+12reb+2ast, Y.Childs 4+9reb+3ast, Y.Karino 3+2reb
Shimane SM: P.Buford 21+10reb+4ast, N.Kay 15+8reb+2ast, R.Shirahama 9+3reb+1ast, S.Ando 8+5reb+1ast, N.Williams 5+7reb, K.Hareyama 3+1ast

Akita NH - Kyoto H. 70-88

There was a small surprise when eighth ranked Kyoto H. (1-5) beat on the road 5th ranked Akita NH (2-4) 88-70 on Sunday. They outrebounded Akita NH 41-30 including 26 on the defensive glass. American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) notched 30 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) supported him with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Even 12 points and 9 rebounds by American forward Robert Baker (208-1998, college: Harvard) did not help to save the game for Akita NH. The former international forward Raita Akaho (196-1998) added 16 points and 5 rebounds. Five Kyoto H. and four Akita NH players scored in double figures. Akita NH's coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Kyoto H. left bottom position moving up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Akita NH at the other side dropped to the fourth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Kyoto H. will meet at home league's leader Osaka E. in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Akita NH will play against the league's leader Alvark Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: A.Raita 16+5reb, H.Noboru 13+2reb+2ast, R.Baker 12+9reb+1ast, S.Zack 10+6reb+1ast, K.Ko 7+2reb+3ast, J.Crockett 6+2reb+2ast
Kyoto H.: K.Jones 30+6reb+1ast, C.Jackson 15+13reb+1ast, O.Yuta 14+1reb+5ast, S.Reon 12+2reb+2ast, H.Ryota 11+7reb+5ast, S.Davis 3+5reb+1ast

Hiroshima D. - Tochigi Brex 60-71

Very expected game when 6th ranked Hiroshima D. (2-4) lost at home to second ranked Tochigi Brex (4-2) 71-60 on Sunday. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) notched 14 points and 9 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and American power forward Gavin Edwards (206-1988, college: UConn) supported him with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. Tochigi Brex's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds by American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) did not help to save the game for Hiroshima D.. His fellow American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points. Tochigi Brex maintains second position with 4-2 record behind leader Osaka E. Hiroshima D. at the other side dropped to the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Hiroshima D. will play against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: K.Blackshear Jr. 15+11reb+1ast, D.Evans 14+4reb+3ast, R.Yamazaki 8+2reb, T.Ryo 7+1reb+1ast, S.Funyu 5+5reb+1ast, N.Mayo 4+5reb+2ast
Tochigi Brex: G.Edwards 14+9reb+1ast, I.Fotu 14+9reb+2ast, M.Hiejima 12+3reb+3ast, S.Ikaruga 10+1reb+3ast, G.Jerrett 10+8reb+1ast, D.Newbill 6+5reb+6ast

Shinshu BW - Nagoya DD 75-101

An interesting game for Nagoya DD (6-2) which played road game in Nagano against 4th ranked Shinshu BW (2-4). Second ranked Nagoya DD had an easy win 101-75. Nagoya DD dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Shinshu BW's 22. They outrebounded Shinshu BW 38-25 including 25 on the defensive glass. Nagoya DD shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Shinshu BW's players. American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) notched 22 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) supported him with 16 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Five Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Nagoya DD's coach Shawn Dennis felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 18 points by American Stanton Kidd (202-1992, college: Colorado St.) did not help to save the game for Shinshu BW. American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 5 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Nagoya DD maintains second position with 6-2 record having just three point less than leader Osaka E. Shinshu BW lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Nagoya DD will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will play against Saga B. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: S.Kidd 18+1reb+3ast, L.Kurihara 14, H.Kyosuke 13+3reb, K.Ishikawa 8+1reb+4ast, S.Takumi 7+1reb, K.Taichi 6+2reb
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 22+7reb+1ast, Y.Suda 16+2reb+4ast, J.Smith 16+8reb+1ast, P.Ray 11+3reb+7ast, T.Soares 10+7reb+2ast, T.Nakahigashi 9+4reb+1ast

Hitachi SRT - Nagasaki 74-91

Very predictable result when second ranked Nagasaki (5-1) won against 7th ranked Hitachi SRT (1-5) in Tokyo 91-74 on Sunday. Nagasaki made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 60.9 percentage. American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) notched 28 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) supported him with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Even 25 points and 8 rebounds by the former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) did not help to save the game for Hitachi SRT. American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) added 19 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Nagasaki have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Hitachi SRT lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Nagasaki will meet at home Shimane SM (#5) in the next round. Hitachi SRT will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: J.Hawkinson 25+8reb+3ast, R.Kelly 19+4reb+2ast, L.Vendrame 10+1reb+5ast, J.Gibbs 9+7reb+1ast, A.Clemmons 7+2reb+2ast, A.Chambers 2+3reb+3ast
Nagasaki: J.Brantley 28+8reb+2ast, M.Bonds 17+13reb+2ast, N.Perkins 16+3reb+1ast, Y.Baba 11+4reb+2ast, A.Hirohide 7+6reb+2ast, M.Morikawa 5+1ast

Yokohama BC - Ryukyu GK 70-88

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th ranked Yokohama BC's (3-3) home loss to third ranked Ryukyu GK (5-1) 70-88 on Sunday. Ryukyu GK looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Yokohama BC's players. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) notched 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) supported him with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Ryukyu GK's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 23 points by international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) did not help to save the game for Yokohama BC. American forward Jarrod Uthoff (206-1993, college: Iowa) added 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ryukyu GK have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Yokohama BC lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M. and Chiba Jets. Ryukyu GK will meet at home league's leader Kawasaki BT in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yokohama BC will play against Hitachi SRT and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 23+3reb+2ast, J.Uthoff 19+7reb, D.Oliver 9+3reb+2ast, S.Koya 7+1reb, K.King 5+1reb, K.Morii 3+2reb+3ast
Ryukyu GK: K.Imamura 21+5reb+5ast, A.Durham 16+6reb+5ast, A.Kirk 13+9reb+4ast, M.Yoshiyuki 11+1reb+1ast, R.Kishimoto 8+4reb+3ast, C.Tamayo 7+7reb+1ast

Chiba Jets - Sendai 89ers 99-90

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Chiba Jets (3-3) defeated at home 7th ranked Sendai 89ers (1-5) 99-90 on Sunday. Chiba Jets made 28-of-33 free shots (84.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American players dominated the game. Forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) notched 15 points and 9 rebounds to lead the effort and forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four Chiba Jets players scored in double figures. Even 27 points by forward Rashawn Thomas (203-1994, college: TAMUCC) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) added 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 3-3 record having just two points less than leader Osaka E., which they share with Sea Horses M. and Yokohama BC. Sendai 89ers at the other side dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Chiba Jets will meet Hokkaido L. (#6) in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against Gunma CT and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: R.Thomas 27+4reb+1ast, N.Boothe 19+7reb+5ast, R.Abe 15+6reb+1ast, O.Taiki 8+2ast, W.Shota 6+1reb+5ast, W.Ryu 5+2reb+2ast
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 20+1reb+5ast, J.Mooney 17+8reb+2ast, J.Mutts 15+9reb+3ast, F.Hikaru 11+5reb+3ast, K.Ren 11+1reb+2ast, F.Nishimura 9

San-en NP - Gunma CT 95-78

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th ranked Gunma CT's (2-4) road loss to third ranked San-en NP (5-1) in Hamamatsu 78-95 on Sunday. San-en NP made 20-of-23 free shots (87.0 percent) during the game. San-en NP outrebounded Gunma CT 43-28 including a 33-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) notched a double-double by scoring 23 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and the other American import David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) supported him with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Even 20 points by the former international swingman Naoto Tsuji (185-1989) did not help to save the game for Gunma CT. The former international guard Narito Namizato (172-1989) added 11 points and 7 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. San-en NP have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. San-en NP will meet at home FE Nagoya (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Gunma CT will play against Sendai 89ers and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: N.Tsuji 20+2reb+1ast, A.Hachimura 16+3reb, N.Namizato 11+3reb+7ast, M.Parker 10+5reb, K.Tarczewski 8+9reb+3ast, S.Teru 5+3ast
San-en NP: C.Clarke 23+13reb+5ast, D.Dudzinski 21+7reb+3ast, Y.Maten 17+8reb+2ast, S.Ryusei 11+3reb+3ast, F.Ravena 9+3reb, H.Kazuki 6+6reb+4ast

Sea Horses M. - Hokkaido L. 78-56

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Sea Horses M.'s (3-3) home victory over 6th ranked Hokkaido L. (1-5) in Kariya 78-56 on Sunday. American players dominated the game. Power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) notched 31 points and 9 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) supported him with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 18 points and 6 rebounds by center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) did not help to save the game for Hokkaido L.. Center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) added 13 points and 13 rebounds. Four Hokkaido L. players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sea Horses M. moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets and Yokohama BC. Hokkaido L. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Sea Horses M. will meet Toyama G. (#8) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Hokkaido L. will play against Chiba Jets and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 18+6reb+3ast, T.Welsh 13+13reb, D.Brooks 12+6reb, D.Ramos 10+4reb+1ast, S.Ren 2+3reb+7ast, N.Danieldan 1+2reb
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 31+9reb+1ast, J.Layman 12+5reb+5ast, Z.Auguste 10+10reb, R.Sumino 8+1reb+2ast, K.Yoshiaki 7+2reb+3ast, Y.Nishida 4+2reb+1ast

FE Nagoya - Alvark Tokyo 49-83

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of FE Nagoya (4-0) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were rolled over by Alvark Tokyo (5-1) 83-49. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of FE Nagoya. It was a key game for the top position in the league as both teams had the same 4-1 record before this meeting. They outrebounded FE Nagoya 39-22 including a 27-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by FE Nagoya's players. It was a good game for Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 14 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). Lithuanian center Arturas Gudaitis (211-1993) contributed with 15 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. American power forward Sean O'Mara (208-1995, college: Xavier) replied with 17 points and his fellow American import forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) added 10 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for FE Nagoya. 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 maintains first position with 5-1 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted FE Nagoya dropped to the third place with 0 game lost. Alvark Tokyo is looking forward to face Akita NH (#4) at home in the next round. FE Nagoya will play against the league's second-placed San-en NP in Hamamatsu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 17+4reb, J.Jones 10+8reb+1ast, A.Henry 10+2reb+3ast, T.Sugimoto 6+2reb, T.Soma 2+1reb, H.Kawashima 2
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 25+14reb+1ast, A.Gudaitis 15+6reb, S.Ando 11+2reb, K.Toews 10+6ast, L.Meindl 8+1reb+1ast, R.Rossiter 8+7reb+5ast

Ibaraki R. - Osaka E. 85-93

Very expected game when bottom-ranked Ibaraki R. (0-6) lost to top-ranked Osaka E. (6-0) in Mito 85-93 on Sunday. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Osaka E.'s coach Mathias Fischer used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists by American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. Swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (195-1998) added 15 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Osaka E. have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Ibaraki R. at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Osaka E. will meet Kyoto H. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Ibaraki R. will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: C.Tapscott 20+5reb+6ast, Y.Hayato 15+6reb+3ast, N.Kohei 12+2reb+7ast, M.Hisatake 11+4reb, T.Keita 7+1ast, A.Brandt 7+6reb+4ast
Osaka E.: S.Long 26+13reb, A.Caloiaro 13+8reb+5ast, T.Hashimoto 12+2reb+1ast, A.Tajima 11+1reb+4ast, K.Makoto 11+1reb+3ast, T.Nishikawa 10+2ast