B1 League Round 11 (Regular Season): San-en NP lose to Tochigi Brex

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Round 11 most important game was a defeat of league's leader San-en NP (9-2). They were edged by second ranked Tochigi Brex (8-3) 75-73 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of San-en NP. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. It was a great evening for American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) helped adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. Tochigi Brex's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Tochigi Brex maintains second place with 8-3 record behind leader Osaka E., which they share with Ryukyu GK and Nagasaki. San-en NP at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Osaka E. who have the same record. San-en NP will play next round against Yokohama BC trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tochigi Brex will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Hokkaido L. in Sapporo.
Leading Osaka E. (9-2) recorded its second loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Ryukyu GK (8-3) 94-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Osaka E.. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who led the winners and scored 27 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Keita Imamura accounted for 16 points and 5 assists. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds for Osaka E. in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Tochigi Brex and Nagasaki. Osaka E. at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Kawasaki BT and San-en NP. Ryukyu GK will play against Kyoto H. (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Osaka E. will play against FE Nagoya (#4) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Sendai between Yokohama BC and Sendai 89ers. Fifth ranked Yokohama BC (5-6) got a very close victory on the road over 3rd placed Sendai 89ers (5-6). Yokohama BC managed to escape with a 3-point win 87-84 in the game for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Sendai 89ers. The best player for the winners was Yuki Kawamura who scored 34 points (!!!) and 7 assists. Yokohama BC's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Volodymyr Gerun produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Yokohama BC moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Sendai 89ers. Yokohama BC will meet league's second-placed San-en NP in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sendai 89ers will play against Akita NH and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 11: Akita NH lost to Saga B. on the opponent's court 64-70. Shinshu BW managed to outperform Toyama G. in a home game 83-79. Sea Horses M. recorded a loss to Chiba Jets on the road 101-90. Gunma CT was defeated by Nagoya DD on its own court 78-94. Nagasaki was beaten by Ibaraki R. in Mito 92-88. Hiroshima D. won against Kyoto H. at home 86-75. Hokkaido L. managed to outperform FE Nagoya on the opponent's court 77-62.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 21 points by Tsukasa Nakano of Hokkaido L..



Osaka E. - Ryukyu GK 76-94

Leading Osaka E. (9-2) recorded its second loss at the home court. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Ryukyu GK (8-3) 94-76. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Osaka E.. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Ryukyu GK shot 63.9 percent from the field. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who led the winners and scored 27 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) accounted for 16 points and 5 assists for the winning side. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 14 rebounds and the other American import Ian Hummer (201-1990, college: Princeton) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Osaka E. in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Tochigi Brex and Nagasaki. Osaka E. at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Kawasaki BT and San-en NP. Ryukyu GK will play against Kyoto H. (#8) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Osaka E. will play against FE Nagoya (#4) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: S.Long 22+14reb+1ast, A.Caloiaro 14+3ast, I.Hummer 13+5reb, T.Hashimoto 9+1ast, A.Tajima 6+3ast, K.Makoto 4+1reb+4ast
Ryukyu GK: A.Durham 27+5reb+5ast, K.Imamura 16+3reb+5ast, J.Cooley 14+6reb+3ast, A.Kirk 9+7reb, S.Onodera 8+3reb+1ast, H.Falcon 8+3ast

Saga B. - Akita NH 70-64

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 6th ranked Akita NH (3-8) was defeated on the road by seventh ranked Saga B. (5-6) 70-64 on Sunday. Saga B. outrebounded Akita NH 41-30 including 26 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was naturalized American forward Josh Harrellson (208-1989, college: Kentucky) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds. American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. Four Saga B. players scored in double figures. Saga B.'s coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) produced 7 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import forward Robert Baker (208-1998, college: Harvard) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Saga B. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Akita NH keeps the sixth position with eight games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Saga B. will meet Hiroshima D. (#6) on the road in the next round. Akita NH will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: A.Raita 13+1reb, H.Noboru 12+1reb, R.Baker 9+6reb, S.Taguchi 9+2reb+2ast, S.Zack 7+11reb+4ast, T.Furukawa 7+1reb+1ast
Saga B.: J.Harrellson 18+11reb+1ast, R.Garcia 15+4reb+6ast, C.Fieler 13+11reb+3ast, K.Atsuki 11+4reb+2ast, Y.Childs 7+6reb+1ast, Y.Yamashita 3+1reb

Sendai 89ers - Yokohama BC 84-87

A very close game took place in Sendai between Yokohama BC and Sendai 89ers. Fifth ranked Yokohama BC (5-6) got a very close victory on the road over 3rd placed Sendai 89ers (5-6). Yokohama BC managed to escape with a 3-point win 87-84 in the game for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Sendai 89ers. Strangely Sendai 89ers outrebounded Yokohama BC 43-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) who scored 34 points (!!!) and 7 assists. American power forward Josh Scott (210-1993, college: Colorado, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Yokohama BC's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists and American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) added 15 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Yokohama BC moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Sendai 89ers. Yokohama BC will meet league's second-placed San-en NP in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sendai 89ers will play against Akita NH and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: R.Abe 16+5reb+3ast, N.Boothe 15+12reb+5ast, W.Shota 13+1ast, M.Kataoka 13+3reb+2ast, V.Gerun 13+16reb+4ast, J.Yang 7+3reb+1ast
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 34+1reb+7ast, J.Uthoff 16+7reb+1ast, J.Scott 14+12reb+1ast, Y.Sugiura 11+3reb+1ast, K.King 10+1reb+1ast, D.Oliver 2+4reb+3ast

Shinshu BW - Toyama G. 83-79

Rather predictable result in Nagano where sixth ranked Shinshu BW (4-7) defeated bottom-ranked Toyama G. (0-11) 83-79 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Filipino guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (181-1999) who scored 24 points and 4 assists. American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds. British forward Myles Hesson (198, agency: Octagon Europe) produced 19 points and American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) added 19 points respectively for the guests. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Shinshu BW maintains sixth place with 4-7 record. Loser Toyama G. still closes the standings with 11 games lost. Shinshu BW will meet league's leader Kawasaki BT in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Toyama G. will play against Shimane SM (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: M.Hesson 19+2reb+3ast, N.Gadson 19+1reb+1ast, A.Chol 9+9reb, N.Uto 9+3reb+4ast, A.Edu 9+8reb+1ast, K.Takahashi 5+1ast
Shinshu BW: A.Rhon Jhay 24+3reb+4ast, D.Thompson 16+9reb+2ast, D.Simon 15+6reb+2ast, L.Kurihara 9+4reb+2ast, S.Kidd 8+1reb+2ast, K.Ishikawa 6+2reb+6ast

Tochigi Brex - San-en NP 75-73

Round 11 most important game was a defeat of league's leader San-en NP (9-2). They were edged by second ranked Tochigi Brex (8-3) 75-73 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the eight-game winning streak of San-en NP. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. It was a great evening for American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) helped adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. Tochigi Brex's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Ryusei Sasaki (180-1996) scored 16 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Tochigi Brex maintains second place with 8-3 record behind leader Osaka E., which they share with Ryukyu GK and Nagasaki. San-en NP at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Osaka E. who have the same record. San-en NP will play next round against Yokohama BC trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Tochigi Brex will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Hokkaido L. in Sapporo.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: S.Ryusei 16+2reb+3ast, C.Clarke 15+8reb+2ast, Y.Maten 13+5reb+1ast, O.Sota 10+3reb+3ast, M.Yamauchi 9+1reb+2ast, D.Dudzinski 6+7reb+1ast
Tochigi Brex: G.Jerrett 16+6reb, D.Newbill 13+9reb+5ast, M.Hiejima 11+4reb+4ast, G.Edwards 10+6reb+2ast, I.Fotu 8+3reb, S.Ikaruga 7+9reb+3ast

Chiba Jets - Sea Horses M. 101-90

There was a minor upset when their close opponent Sea Horses M. (6-5) was defeated on the road by third ranked Chiba Jets (6-5) 101-90 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) who scored 37 points (!!!) and 5 assists. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds. Chiba Jets' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) produced 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) added 16 points and 13 rebounds respectively for the guests. Four Chiba Jets and five Sea Horses M. players scored in double figures. Chiba Jets maintains third place with 6-5 record having just three points less than leader Osaka E., which they share with defeated Sea Horses M. Chiba Jets will meet Gunma CT (#5) on the road in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against Hitachi SRT and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 21+8reb+5ast, Y.Nishida 17+1reb+2ast, Z.Auguste 16+13reb, J.Layman 13+6reb+2ast, D.Lee 11+2reb+3ast, K.Ishii 5+2reb
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 37+2reb+5ast, J.Mooney 18+13reb+1ast, D.Stephens 16+7reb+1ast, K.Ren 13+1reb+1ast, I.Brown 7+4reb, S.Hara 6+4reb+3ast

Gunma CT - Nagoya DD 78-94

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Nagoya DD (8-5) beat on the road 4th placed Gunma CT (5-6) 94-78 on Sunday. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) who scored 23 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) chipped in 7 points and 12 rebounds. American center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) produced 12 points and 7 rebounds and center Aren Hachimura (191-1999) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Nagoya DD moved-up to fourth place which they share with defeated Gunma CT. Loser Gunma CT keeps the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Nagoya DD will meet at home league's second-placed Nagasaki in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gunma CT will play against Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: K.Tarczewski 12+7reb+1ast, A.Hachimura 12+6reb+1ast, E.Murphy 10+5reb+1ast, N.Namizato 9+2reb+7ast, M.Parker 8+2reb+3ast, T.McKinney-Jones 8+1reb+2ast
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 23+5reb+2ast, Y.Suda 13+3reb+1ast, T.Nakahigashi 11+1ast, T.Saito 11+1reb+4ast, T.Soares 10+3reb+3ast, J.Smith 7+12reb+2ast

Ibaraki R. - Nagasaki 92-88

There was an upset in Mito where second-ranked Nagasaki (8-3) was defeated by eighth ranked Ibaraki R. (1-10) 92-88 on Sunday. Ibaraki R. made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. Ibaraki R. outrebounded Nagasaki 43-30 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (195-1998) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston) produced 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and the other American import power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) added 18 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Five Ibaraki R. and four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Nagasaki's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ibaraki R. maintains eighth place with 1-10 record, which they share with Kyoto H. Newly promoted Nagasaki keeps the second position with three games lost. They share it with Ryukyu GK and Tochigi Brex. Ibaraki R. will meet league's leader Alvark Tokyo on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nagasaki will play against Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: Y.Baba 18+6reb+1ast, N.Perkins 18+8reb+1ast, J.Brantley 18+6reb+5ast, M.Bonds 11+4reb, M.Morikawa 9+1reb+4ast, K.Matsumoto 6
Ibaraki R.: N.Kohei 23+2reb+5ast, Y.Hayato 16+11reb+6ast, A.Brandt 15+11reb+4ast, C.Tapscott 14+5reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 13+6reb, T.Keita 9+2reb+2ast

Hiroshima D. - Kyoto H. 86-75

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Hiroshima D.'s (5-6) home victory over 8th ranked Kyoto H. (1-10) 86-75 on Sunday. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Hiroshima D. players scored in double figures. Forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 14 rebounds and forward Stacy Davis (198, college: Pepperdine) added 14 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Kyoto H.'s coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Hiroshima D. have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Kyoto H. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with ten games lost. They share it with Ibaraki R.. Hiroshima D. will meet at home Saga B. (#7) in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against Ryukyu GK and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: K.Jones 19+14reb+1ast, S.Davis 14+7reb+2ast, C.Jackson 10+1reb+2ast, M.Wright 8+3reb+3ast, O.Yuta 8+4reb+3ast, K.Mizuno 7+4reb+2ast
Hiroshima D.: N.Mayo 21+9reb+3ast, D.Evans 15+6reb+5ast, R.Yamazaki 14+1reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 14+7reb+3ast, T.Ryo 13+3reb+3ast, N.Takuto 4+1reb+2ast

FE Nagoya - Hokkaido L. 62-77

There was a minor upset when 4th placed FE Nagoya (5-4) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Hokkaido L. (3-8) 77-62 on Sunday. Hokkaido L. made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by FE Nagoya's players. The best player for the winners was American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. Tsukasa Nakano (185-1996) chipped in 21 points. Four Hokkaido L. players scored in double figures. American forward Aaron Henry (198, college: Michigan St.) produced 23 points and the other American import forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hokkaido L. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Akita NH. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the fourth position with four games lost. Hokkaido L. will meet league's second-placed Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. FE Nagoya will play against the league's leader Osaka E. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 23+2reb+1ast, J.Jones 10+6reb, H.Kawashima 8+1reb+2ast, S.O'Mara 7+4reb+1ast, N.Hiromu 7+3reb+4ast, S.Ryo 4+6reb+1ast
Hokkaido L.: N.Tsukasa 21+1reb+3ast, T.Welsh 17+9reb+3ast, S.Terazono 13+1reb+8ast, S.Ren 11+5ast, D.Brooks 7+2reb+1ast, D.Willis 4+9reb