B1 League Round 7 (Regular Season): FE Nagoya lose their first game against San-en NP

B1 League Regular Season is still in too early stage and there may be still significant changes in the standings. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of FE Nagoya (4-1) in Hamamatsu on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by San-en NP (6-1) 89-80. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of FE Nagoya. San-en NP made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!). point guard Ryusei Sasaki (180-1996) helped adding 19 points, 6 assists and 4 steals (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). At the losing side American power forward Sean O'Mara (208-1995, college: Xavier) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds. San-en NP have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the third place with one game lost. San-en NP is looking forward to face Akita NH (#5) on the road in the next round. FE Nagoya will play against Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very significant was Kawasaki BT's (#1) 21-point road victory against 4th placed Ryukyu GK 87-66. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) who led the winners and scored 32 points. Nick Fazekas accounted for 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) came up with 19 points and 5 assists for Ryukyu GK in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Kawasaki BT. They maintain first place with 6-1 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Defending champion Ryukyu GK dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex and Shimane SM. Kawasaki BT will play against league's leader Osaka E. on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ryukyu GK will play against Toyama G. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagasaki. Third ranked host Nagasaki (6-1) defeated 4th placed Shimane SM (5-2) 77-73. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Shimane SM. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Jarrell Brantley fired 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Nagasaki's coach used entire bench in such tough game. Seiya Ando produced 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Nagasaki keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Shimane SM at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Ryukyu GK and Tochigi Brex. Nagasaki will meet at home Sea Horses M. (#4) in the next round. Shimane SM will play against Hokkaido L. and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 7: Hiroshima D. lost to Nagoya DD on the opponent's court 89-93. Hokkaido L. unfortunately lost to Chiba Jets in a home game 77-82. Osaka E. managed to beat Kyoto H. on the road 83-74. Saga B. defeated Shinshu BW on its own court 80-74. Gunma CT was beaten by Sendai 89ers in a road game 87-75. Winless Toyama G. was destroyed by Sea Horses M. at home 59-90. Hitachi SRT outscored Yokohama BC on the opponent's court 83-60. Tochigi Brex managed to beat Ibaraki R. in a home game 96-80. Akita NH was defeated by Alvark Tokyo on the road 67-51.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 9 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists by Ryan Rossiter of Alvark Tokyo.



Ryukyu GK - Kawasaki BT 66-87

Very significant was Kawasaki BT's (#1) 21-point road victory against 4th placed Ryukyu GK 87-66. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Kawasaki BT dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Ryukyu GK's 32. They outrebounded Ryukyu GK 43-30 including 30 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) who led the winners and scored 32 points. The former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) accounted for 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Four Kawasaki BT players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) came up with 19 points and 5 assists and American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) added 7 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Ryukyu GK in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Kawasaki BT. They maintain first place with 6-1 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Defending champion Ryukyu GK dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex and Shimane SM. Kawasaki BT will play against league's leader Osaka E. on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ryukyu GK will play against Toyama G. and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: T.Wimbush 32+4reb, N.Fazekas 17+14reb+4ast, Y.Fujii 14+4reb+8ast, J.Heath 10+9reb, R.Allen 4+4reb+1ast, N.Reiya 4+2reb+2ast
Ryukyu GK: K.Imamura 19+3reb+5ast, M.Yoshiyuki 15+2reb+3ast, A.Kirk 11+11reb, H.Falcon 7+1reb+2ast, A.Durham 7+10reb+6ast, S.Onodera 3+2ast

Nagoya DD - Hiroshima D. 93-89

Rather expected game when 6th ranked Hiroshima D. (2-5) was defeated on the road by third ranked Nagoya DD (7-2) 93-89 on Wednesday. Nagoya DD outrebounded Hiroshima D. 43-28 including a 27-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Hiroshima D.'s players. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) fired 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 14 rebounds. Nagoya DD's coach Shawn Dennis used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 27 points and 7 rebounds and forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Nagoya DD moved-up to second place. Hiroshima D. at the other side dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Nagoya DD will meet at home league's second-placed Tochigi Brex in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hiroshima D. will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 22+8reb+7ast, Y.Suda 20+2reb, J.Smith 17+14reb+1ast, T.Saito 10+2reb+5ast, P.Ray 8+1reb+3ast, T.Nakahigashi 7+2reb+3ast
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 27+7reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 18+5reb+1ast, N.Mayo 16+2reb+5ast, T.Ryo 10+5reb+2ast, R.Yamazaki 9+2reb+1ast, I.Murphy 6+2reb+2ast

Hokkaido L. - Chiba Jets 77-82

Rather predictable result in Sapporo where third ranked Chiba Jets (4-3) defeated 6th ranked Hokkaido L. (1-6) 82-77 on Wednesday. The former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) fired 22 points and 5 assists for the winners. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds. American DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) produced 24 points and 7 rebounds and Filipino guard Dwight Ramos (193-1998, college: CPP) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Chiba Jets maintains third place with 4-3 record having just two points less than leader Osaka E., which they share with Sea Horses M. Hokkaido L. lost their fifth game in a row. They dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Chiba Jets will meet at home FE Nagoya (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Hokkaido L. will play against Shimane SM (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 22+2reb+5ast, J.Mooney 16+8reb+1ast, K.Ren 14+1reb, F.Hikaru 9+2reb+1ast, D.Stephens 8+11reb+2ast, O.Sota 7+4reb+3ast
Hokkaido L.: D.Brooks 24+7reb+1ast, D.Ramos 13+5reb+5ast, D.Willis 10+7reb, S.Ren 9+3reb+4ast, M.Yuta 8+4reb+1ast, N.Tsukasa 6+2reb+1ast

Kyoto H. - Osaka E. 74-83

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Kyoto H. (1-6) was defeated at home by leader Osaka E. (7-0) 83-74 on Wednesday. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) fired a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. Osaka E.'s coach Mathias Fischer used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) added 13 points and 7 assists respectively for lost side. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Osaka E.. They maintain first place with 7-0 record. Kyoto H. at the other side keeps the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Osaka E. will meet at home league's leader Kawasaki BT in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kyoto H. will play against the league's leader Alvark Tokyo (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: A.Caloiaro 22+7reb+4ast, K.Makoto 18+2reb, S.Long 18+15reb+3ast, I.Hummer 11+4reb+2ast, T.Hashimoto 5+2reb, I.Fumiya 3
Kyoto H.: C.Jackson 16+8reb+1ast, O.Yuta 13+3reb+7ast, S.Reon 11+2ast, H.Ryota 10+6reb+2ast, K.Jones 8+10reb+3ast, S.Davis 7+8reb

Nagasaki - Shimane SM 77-73

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagasaki. Third ranked host Nagasaki (6-1) defeated 4th placed Shimane SM (5-2) 77-73. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Shimane SM. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) fired 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. International Yudai Baba (196-1995) chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds. Four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Nagasaki's coach used entire bench in such tough game. The former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) produced 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Perrin Buford (198, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) added 13 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for lost side. Nagasaki keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Shimane SM at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Ryukyu GK and Tochigi Brex. Nagasaki will meet at home Sea Horses M. (#4) in the next round. Shimane SM will play against Hokkaido L. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: J.Brantley 19+7reb+6ast, Y.Baba 18+6reb+1ast, N.Perkins 12+6reb+2ast, M.Bonds 11+6reb+1ast, M.Morikawa 7, M.Karimata 5+4reb+4ast
Shimane SM: S.Ando 27+6reb+4ast, N.Kay 17+7reb+3ast, P.Buford 13+14reb+6ast, H.Martin 6+2reb+1ast, N.Williams 6+5reb+2ast, T.Shota 4+1reb

San-en NP - FE Nagoya 89-80

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated FE Nagoya (4-1) in Hamamatsu on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by San-en NP (6-1) 89-80. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of FE Nagoya. San-en NP made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!). Point guard Ryusei Sasaki (180-1996) helped adding 19 points, 6 assists and 4 steals (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). At the losing side American power forward Sean O'Mara (208-1995, college: Xavier) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds and the other American import forward Aaron Henry (198, college: Michigan St.) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. San-en NP have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the third place with one game lost. San-en NP is looking forward to face Akita NH (#5) on the road in the next round. FE Nagoya will play against Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: S.Ryusei 19+1reb+6ast, C.Clarke 19+4reb+4ast, F.Ravena 14+8reb+1ast, Y.Maten 13+4reb+3ast, O.Sota 9+1reb, H.Kazuki 6+3reb+1ast
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 17+13reb+1ast, J.Jones 13+3reb+3ast, A.Henry 13+6reb+2ast, M.Ryuji 10+6reb+3ast, T.Soma 7+2reb, N.Hiromu 6+2reb+2ast

Saga B. - Shinshu BW 80-74

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when seventh ranked Saga B. (2-5) beat at home 6th ranked Shinshu BW (2-5) 80-74 on Wednesday. Saga B. dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Shinshu BW's 16. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) fired 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners (made all of his seven free throws). American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Four Saga B. players scored in double figures. American Stanton Kidd (202-1992, college: Colorado St.) produced 27 points and 8 rebounds and American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 9 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Saga B. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Shinshu BW. Shinshu BW lost their fifth game in a row. Saga B. will meet Hitachi SRT (#6) in the next round. Shinshu BW will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 21+6reb+5ast, Y.Childs 19+10reb, S.Taiki 14+1reb+4ast, J.Harrellson 11+9reb+2ast, C.Fieler 8+7reb+2ast, K.Atsuki 4
Shinshu BW: S.Kidd 27+8reb+1ast, L.Kurihara 11+5reb+2ast, K.Ishikawa 10+2reb+5ast, D.Thompson 9+11reb+7ast, A.Rhon Jhay 7+2reb+1ast, K.Mitsui 7+1reb

Sendai 89ers - Gunma CT 87-75

There was a minor upset when 5th ranked Gunma CT (2-5) was defeated on the road by seventh ranked Sendai 89ers (2-5) 87-75 on Wednesday. Sendai 89ers outrebounded Gunma CT 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. American center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and the former international guard Narito Namizato (172-1989) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sendai 89ers moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Gunma CT. Gunma CT lost their third game in a row. Sendai 89ers will meet Shinshu BW (#7) in the next round. Gunma CT will play against Ibaraki R. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: N.Boothe 22+10reb+5ast, M.Kataoka 18+2reb+3ast, V.Gerun 12+11reb+6ast, R.Abe 11+3reb+5ast, J.Yang 6+2reb, R.Thomas 6+4reb
Gunma CT: K.Tarczewski 16+8reb+2ast, N.Namizato 16+2reb+4ast, A.Hachimura 12+2reb+1ast, K.Flippin 8+3reb+7ast, S.Teru 7+3reb+2ast, E.Murphy 6+3reb+1ast

Toyama G. - Sea Horses M. 59-90

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Sea Horses M. (4-3) outleveled on the road bottom-ranked Toyama G. (0-7) 90-59 on Wednesday. They outrebounded Toyama G. 45-22 including a 36-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) fired a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. His fellow American import power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Five Sea Horses M. players scored in double figures. Filipino-British power forward AJ Edu (208-2000, college: Toledo) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Sea Horses M.. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets. Toyama G. lost their seventh game in a row. They still close the standings with seven games lost. They share the position with Ibaraki R.. Sea Horses M. will meet Nagasaki (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Toyama G. will play against Ryukyu GK (#4) in Okinawa and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: J.Layman 15+10reb+1ast, D.Gardner 15+5reb+6ast, D.Lee 14+5reb, Z.Auguste 12+6reb+2ast, T.Nakamura 11+4reb+1ast, Y.Nishida 10+2reb
Toyama G.: A.Edu 17+11reb+1ast, N.Gadson 14+2reb+1ast, R.Ono 9+3reb+2ast, N.Yoshiyuki 5, N.Uto 4+1reb+2ast, T.Mito 3+2ast

Yokohama BC - Hitachi SRT 60-83

There was a minor upset when 5th ranked Yokohama BC (3-4) was crushed at home by seventh ranked Hitachi SRT (2-5) 83-60 on Wednesday. Hitachi SRT outrebounded Yokohama BC 45-32 including a 35-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Hitachi SRT made 7 blocks. The former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Hitachi SRT players scored in double figures. International guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) produced 19 points and 6 assists and American forward Jarrod Uthoff (206-1993, college: Iowa) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Hitachi SRT moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Yokohama BC keeps the fifth position with four games lost. Hitachi SRT will meet at home Saga B. (#7) in the next round. Yokohama BC will play against Hiroshima D. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: L.Vendrame 23+2reb+2ast, A.Clemmons 20+7reb+5ast, J.Hawkinson 16+12reb+6ast, A.Chambers 11+3reb, D.Tanaka 7+3reb+3ast, Y.Nagayoshi 2
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 19+4reb+6ast, J.Uthoff 15+7reb+2ast, D.Oliver 13+6reb+1ast, S.Koya 3+3reb, Y.Sugiura 3+2reb, M.Hiroki 2

Tochigi Brex - Ibaraki R. 96-80

Very predictable result when second ranked Tochigi Brex (5-2) defeated at home bottom-ranked Ibaraki R. (0-7) 96-80 on Wednesday. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) fired 20 points and 5 assists for the winners. His fellow American import center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) chipped in 15 points. American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) produced 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (195-1998) added 18 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. 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. Tochigi Brex maintains second place with 5-2 record behind leader Osaka E., which they share with Ryukyu GK and Shimane SM. Ibaraki R. lost their seventh game in a row. They still close the standings with seven games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Tochigi Brex will meet league's second-placed Nagoya DD on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ibaraki R. will play against Gunma CT (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 20+2reb+5ast, Y.Endo 15+1reb+1ast, G.Jerrett 15+4reb, S.Ikaruga 11+2reb+2ast, G.Edwards 9+5reb+2ast, M.Hiejima 7+4ast
Ibaraki R.: Y.Hayato 18+6reb+1ast, C.Tapscott 15+6reb+6ast, T.Kennedy 14+5reb, N.Kohei 11+2reb+6ast, A.Brandt 8+5reb, T.Keita 6+2reb+2ast

Alvark Tokyo - Akita NH 67-51

Not a big story in a game when 4th placed Akita NH (2-5) was defeated on the road by first ranked Alvark Tokyo (6-1) 67-51 on Wednesday. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) fired 9 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Brazilian Leonardo Meindl (201-1993) chipped in 14 points and 7 rebounds. Alvark Tokyo's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Robert Baker (208-1998, college: Harvard) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) added 4 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. The victory was the third consecutive win for Alvark Tokyo. They maintain first place with 6-1 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Akita NH keeps the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Alvark Tokyo will meet Kyoto H. (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Akita NH will play against the league's second-placed San-en NP (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: L.Meindl 14+7reb+1ast, K.Toews 12+1reb+3ast, R.Rossiter 9+12reb+6ast, S.Saiz 7+6reb+1ast, S.Ando 6+2reb+1ast, O.Taiki 5+2reb+1ast
Akita NH: R.Baker 13+10reb+1ast, H.Noboru 13+1reb+1ast, A.Raita 11+3reb, S.Taguchi 5+1reb+1ast, S.Zack 4+7reb+4ast, K.Ko 3+1reb+2ast