B1 League Round 16 (Regular Season): Leader Alvark Tokyo loses to Hiroshima D.

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Alvark Tokyo (14-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Hiroshima D. (9-7) 76-61. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of Alvark Tokyo. American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) fired 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Hiroshima D. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Alvark Tokyo at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with San-en NP. Hiroshima D. is looking forward to face Kyoto H. (#8) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Alvark Tokyo will play against Gunma CT (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Another exciting game was played in Nagano between sixth ranked Akita NH and 7th ranked Shinshu BW where Akita NH (5-11) beat Shinshu BW (4-12) on the road 80-70. Worth to mention a great performance of American Tanner Leissner (201-1995, college: UNH) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Javier Carter contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for Shinshu BW. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Akita NH moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Gunma CT. Shinshu BW lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Akita NH will play against league's second-placed Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shinshu BW will play against Sea Horses M. (#4) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Kariya between Ryukyu GK and Sea Horses M.. Second ranked Ryukyu GK (12-4) got a very close victory on the road over 4th ranked Sea Horses M. (8-8). Ryukyu GK managed to escape with a 2-point win 84-82 on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Jack Cooley who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 21 rebounds. At the losing side Zach Auguste responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains second position with 12-4 record having just two points less than leader San-en NP. Loser Sea Horses M. keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Saga B.. Ryukyu GK will meet Osaka E. (#5) on the road in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against Shinshu BW in Nagano and hope to secure a win.

Rest of the games of round 16 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
San-en NP crushed Hokkaido L. in Hamamatsu 100-79. Kyoto H. was beaten by Toyama G. at home 86-92. Saga B. destroyed Osaka E. on the opponent's court 79-45. Hitachi SRT outscored Sendai 89ers in a home game 89-67. Tochigi Brex rolled over Yokohama BC on the road 76-57. Gunma CT was defeated by FE Nagoya on its own court 79-89. Nagoya DD beat Ibaraki R. in a road game 79-69. Nagasaki won against Kawasaki BT at home 92-85.



Hokkaido L. - San-en NP 79-100

There was no surprise in Sapporo where 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (3-13) was crushed by second ranked San-en NP (14-2) 100-79 on Sunday. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and point guard Sota Oura (182-1997) who added 14 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists during the contest. Five San-en NP players scored in double figures. At the losing side American center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) scored 13 points and 7 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. San-en NP have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Hokkaido L. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 13 games lost. San-en NP will meet at home league's second-placed Kawasaki BT in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hokkaido L. will play against Sendai 89ers (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 24+11reb+3ast, D.Brooks 13+4reb+7ast, S.Terazono 12+1reb+2ast, T.Welsh 7+11reb+1ast, M.Yuta 7+2ast, S.Ren 6+2reb+3ast
San-en NP: Y.Maten 16+4reb+4ast, S.Ryusei 16+1reb+4ast, C.Clarke 15+11reb+4ast, O.Sota 14+5reb+7ast, D.Dudzinski 14+8reb+1ast, K.Kanamaru 11+1reb

Kyoto H. - Toyama G. 86-92

There was a small surprise when eighth ranked Toyama G. (1-15) defeated on the road their close opponent Kyoto H. (4-12) 92-86 on Sunday. Toyama G. shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 30 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his eight free throws) and Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) who added 28 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) responded with 33 points (!!!) and American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Toyama G. maintains eighth position with 1-15 record, which they share with Ibaraki R. Loser Kyoto H. dropped to the seventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Shinshu BW. Toyama G. will meet at home higher ranked Yokohama BC (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kyoto H. will play against Hiroshima D. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: O.Yuta 33+1reb+3ast, K.Jones 19+10reb+1ast, R.Aoki 17+3ast, C.Jackson 8+10reb, K.Mizuno 7+3reb, S.Reon 2+1ast
Toyama G.: N.Gadson 30+13reb+6ast, I.Buva 28+6reb+2ast, R.Ono 10+1reb+2ast, T.Mito 5+1ast, A.Chol 5+1reb, N.Uto 3+3reb+4ast

Osaka E. - Saga B. 45-79

There was a minor upset when one of their biggest challengers Osaka E. (9-7) was rolled over at home by seventh ranked Saga B. (8-8) 79-45 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 6 assists and American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) who added 13 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 11 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import Ian Hummer (201-1990, college: Princeton) scored 8 points and 6 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Saga B. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Osaka E. lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the third position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Saga B. will meet at home higher ranked Nagasaki (#3) in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Osaka E. will play against the league's second-placed Ryukyu GK and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: S.Long 11+8reb+1ast, I.Hummer 8+6reb+1ast, A.Tajima 5+2reb, T.Hashimoto 5+2reb+1ast, K.Makoto 4+1ast, J.Takeuchi 4+10reb
Saga B.: R.Garcia 18+3ast, S.Taiki 16+4reb+6ast, C.Fieler 13+10reb+2ast, Y.Karino 9+1reb, Y.Childs 8+13reb+1ast, K.Atsuki 7+1ast

Shinshu BW - Akita NH 70-80

Another exciting game was played in Nagano between sixth ranked Akita NH and 7th ranked Shinshu BW where Akita NH (5-11) beat Shinshu BW (4-12) on the road 80-70. Akita NH made 23-of-29 charity shots (79.3 percent) during the game. Shinshu BW was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American Tanner Leissner (201-1995, college: UNH) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds. Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) contributed with 10 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 8 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for Shinshu BW. Four Shinshu BW players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Akita NH moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Gunma CT. Shinshu BW lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Akita NH will play against league's second-placed Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shinshu BW will play against Sea Horses M. (#4) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: J.Mutts 17+8reb+6ast, H.Kyosuke 14+1ast, A.Rhon Jhay 13+4reb+4ast, E.Kojima-Donley 10+7reb+2ast, D.Thompson 8+11reb+2ast, A.Matthew 5+1reb
Akita NH: T.Leissner 34+10reb, J.Carter 10+7reb+1ast, T.Furukawa 10+1reb+3ast, K.Ko 9+4reb+2ast, H.Noboru 9+4ast, T.Nakayama 2+3reb+1ast

Hitachi SRT - Sendai 89ers 89-67

There was a small surprise in Tokyo where sixth ranked Hitachi SRT (6-10) outscored one of their biggest challengers Sendai 89ers (7-9) 89-67 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) who helped to win the game recording 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who added 17 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 10 rebounds and guard Ryo Abe (184-1995) scored 10 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hitachi SRT have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Yokohama BC. Sendai 89ers lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with nine games lost. Hitachi SRT will meet higher ranked FE Nagoya (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sendai 89ers will play against Hokkaido L. in Sapporo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: V.Gerun 12+10reb+2ast, N.Boothe 11+3reb+1ast, Y.Aoki 11+1reb+1ast, R.Abe 10+3reb+5ast, W.Shota 8+1ast, D.Washington 5+4reb
Hitachi SRT: R.Kelly 19+7reb+4ast, A.Clemmons 19+2reb+3ast, J.Hawkinson 17+9reb+3ast, D.Tanaka 14+3reb+1ast, L.Vendrame 7+4reb+5ast, K.Tsuya 5

Yokohama BC - Tochigi Brex 57-76

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Yokohama BC (6-10) was outplayed at home by second ranked Tochigi Brex (13-3) 76-57 on Sunday. Tochigi Brex outrebounded Yokohama BC 49-35 including 18 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) who added 8 points and 16 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) responded with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) scored 8 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tochigi Brex have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 13-3 record behind leader San-en NP, which they share with Kawasaki BT. Yokohama BC lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Hitachi SRT. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Akita NH (#5) in the next round. Yokohama BC will play against Toyama G. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 18+5reb+7ast, J.Uthoff 12+5reb+1ast, J.Scott 9+8reb, D.Oliver 8+11reb+1ast, M.Hiroki 5+1ast, Y.Sugiura 3+1reb
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 28+4reb+3ast, M.Hiejima 14+4reb+4ast, K.Takeuchi 8+7reb+1ast, I.Fotu 8+16reb+1ast, G.Jerrett 5+10reb, T.Shinji 4+1reb

Alvark Tokyo - Hiroshima D. 61-76

Top ranked Alvark Tokyo (14-2) recorded its second loss at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Hiroshima D. (9-7) 76-61. It ended at the same time the 11-game winning streak of Alvark Tokyo. American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) fired 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. The other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds. Four Hiroshima D. players scored in double figures. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) added 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Hiroshima D. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Alvark Tokyo at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with San-en NP. Hiroshima D. is looking forward to face Kyoto H. (#8) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Alvark Tokyo will play against Gunma CT (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 16+8reb, L.Meindl 13+4reb+3ast, O.Taiki 12+2reb, R.Rossiter 9+9reb+4ast, S.Ando 5, K.Toews 3+3ast
Hiroshima D.: K.Blackshear Jr. 18+8reb+3ast, T.Ryo 15+6ast, D.Evans 14+9reb+1ast, N.Mayo 12+3reb+2ast, T.Nephawe 9+7reb, R.Yamazaki 3+3reb

Gunma CT - FE Nagoya 79-89

Everything went according to plan when third ranked FE Nagoya (9-5) won against on the road 5th ranked Gunma CT (5-11) 89-79 on Sunday. FE Nagoya looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) who helped to win the game recording 29 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Ryo Sadohara (192-1999) who added 11 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Ghanian-American Ben Bentil (206-1995, college: Providence) responded with 15 points and 7 rebounds and the former international guard Koh Flippin (188-1996, college: Doane) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Gunma CT players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. FE Nagoya have a solid three-game winning streak. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains third position with 9-5 record having seven points less than leader San-en NP. Gunma CT lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Akita NH. FE Nagoya will meet at home Hitachi SRT (#5) in the next round. Gunma CT will play against the league's leader Alvark Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: B.Bentil 15+7reb+3ast, K.Flippin 14+5reb+5ast, T.McKinney-Jones 12+2reb+5ast, K.Tarczewski 11+9reb, N.Namizato 9+5ast, N.Tsuji 8+2reb+1ast
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 29+8reb+2ast, J.Jones 14+3reb+1ast, S.Ryo 11+5reb+3ast, H.Kawashima 10+1reb+3ast, L.Evans 9+5reb+2ast, A.Henry 7+5reb+3ast

Ibaraki R. - Nagoya DD 69-79

There was no surprise in Mito where 8th ranked Ibaraki R. (1-15) was defeated by first ranked Nagoya DD (13-5) 79-69 on Sunday. Nagoya DD made 18-of-19 free shots (94.7 percent) during the game. Nagoya DD outrebounded Ibaraki R. 36-22 including 24 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) who helped to win the game recording 32 points and the other American import power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who added 9 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (195-1998) responded with 17 points and 5 assists and American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) scored 15 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Nagoya DD have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-5 record. Ibaraki R. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Toyama G.. Nagoya DD will meet Shimane SM (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Ibaraki R. will play against Chiba Jets and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: Y.Hayato 17+3reb+5ast, C.Tapscott 15+3reb+4ast, N.Kohei 12+1reb+1ast, J.O'Bryant III 9+2ast, M.Reita 6+2reb+1ast, O.Keitaro 4
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 32+4reb+3ast, T.Sato 11+5reb, S.Eatherton 9+8reb+1ast, Y.Suda 6+1reb, T.Saito 5+1reb+3ast, T.Nakahigashi 5+2reb+4ast

Nagasaki - Kawasaki BT 92-85

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when third ranked Nagasaki (10-6) defeated at home their biggest opponent Kawasaki BT (13-3) 92-85 on Sunday. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists and the other American import power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) who added 21 points during the contest. At the losing side the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) responded with 17 points and American power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Kawasaki BT players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Nagasaki maintains third position with 10-6 record having four points less than leader San-en NP. Loser Kawasaki BT keeps the second place with three games lost. They share the position with Tochigi Brex. Nagasaki will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round. Kawasaki BT will play against the league's leader San-en NP (#1) in Hamamatsu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 17+4reb+3ast, R.Shinoyama 15+2reb+2ast, R.Allen 12+5reb+1ast, T.Wimbush 10+1reb+3ast, J.Heath 9+7reb+4ast, I.Ryo 6+1ast
Nagasaki: N.Perkins 21+4reb, J.Brantley 18+10reb+7ast, Y.Baba 15+3reb+2ast, A.Hirohide 10+2ast, M.Karimata 9+2reb+5ast, M.Bonds 9+3reb+3ast

Sea Horses M. - Ryukyu GK 82-84

A very close game took place in Kariya between Ryukyu GK and Sea Horses M.. Second ranked Ryukyu GK (12-4) got a very close victory on the road over 4th ranked Sea Horses M. (8-8). Ryukyu GK managed to escape with a 2-point win 84-82 on Sunday evening. Ryukyu GK made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 21 rebounds and the former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) who added 23 points and 8 assists during the contest. At the losing side Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 14 rebounds and American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) scored 8 points and 10 rebounds. Five Ryukyu GK and four Sea Horses M. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains second position with 12-4 record having just two points less than leader San-en NP. Loser Sea Horses M. keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Saga B.. Ryukyu GK will meet Osaka E. (#5) on the road in the next round. Sea Horses M. will play against Shinshu BW in Nagano and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: Z.Auguste 18+14reb, Y.Nishida 16+5reb, K.Yoshiaki 11+3reb+2ast, D.Lee 10+2reb+1ast, J.Layman 9+2reb+1ast, D.Gardner 8+10reb+3ast
Ryukyu GK: K.Imamura 23+3reb+8ast, J.Cooley 21+21reb, A.Durham 16+10reb+4ast, R.Kishimoto 12+3reb+3ast, S.Onodera 10+3reb+2ast, N.Tashiro 2+1reb