B1 League Round 15 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise of round 15 was guest Akita NH's (5-11) easy road victory over Shinshu BW (#7) 83-64 on Saturday evening. Akita NH dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Shinshu BW's 22. They outrebounded Shinshu BW 40-29 including a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) who scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. 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 have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shinshu BW will play again at home against Akita NH (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Nagasaki. Second ranked Kawasaki BT (13-3) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Nagasaki (10-6) 80-77 in the game for the second place. It was a good game for the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists. Jordan Heath contributed with 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) answered with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Nagasaki. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Kawasaki BT have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain second place with 13-3 record behind leader San-en NP, which they share with Tochigi Brex. Newly promoted Nagasaki keeps the third position with six games lost. Kawasaki BT will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagasaki will play again at home against the league's second-placed Kawasaki BT and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Chiba Jets (9-7) against sixth ranked Shimane SM (9-7) on Friday night. Visiting Chiba Jets were crushed by Shimane SM in Shimane 90-59. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Chiba Jets. It was a great evening for Perrin Buford who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was John Mooney with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 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. Shimane SM moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Chiba Jets. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Other games of round 15 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Chiba Jets defeated Shimane SM in a road game 87-83. Hokkaido L. was beaten by San-en NP at home 73-87. Saga B. won against Osaka E. on the opponent's court 84-79. Alvark Tokyo managed to outperform Hiroshima D. in a home game 88-75. FE Nagoya managed to beat Gunma CT on the road 74-68. Ibaraki R. was defeated by Nagoya DD on its own court 79-89. Toyama G. was beaten by Kyoto H. in a road game 87-82. Sea Horses M. destroyed Ryukyu GK at home 93-73. Tochigi Brex outscored Yokohama BC on the opponent's court 86-53. Hitachi SRT managed to beat Sendai 89ers in a home game 92-82.



Shimane SM - Chiba Jets 83-87

There was no surprise when 6th ranked Shimane SM (9-7) was defeated at home by third ranked Chiba Jets (9-7) 87-83 on Thursday. Chiba Jets outrebounded Shimane SM 42-29 including 17 on the offensive glass. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists. Australian forward Xavier Cooks (203-1995, college: Winthrop) helped adding 8 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Chiba Jets players scored in double figures. Chiba Jets' coach used entire bench in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American forward Perrin Buford (198, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) with 35 points (!!!) and 7 assists and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) scored 17 points and 5 rebounds. Chiba Jets maintains third place with 9-7 record having five points less than leader San-en NP, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Shimane SM. Shimane SM lost their third game in a row. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: D.Stephens 19+5reb+1ast, J.Mooney 13+17reb+6ast, Y.Togashi 11+3reb+3ast, S.Hara 11+2reb+5ast, O.Sota 10+1reb, X.Cooks 8+12reb+5ast
Shimane SM: P.Buford 35+3reb+7ast, N.Kay 17+5reb+2ast, S.Ando 12+1reb+4ast, N.Williams 6+10reb, H.Martin 4+3reb, T.Shota 3+1ast

Shimane SM - Chiba Jets 90-59

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Chiba Jets (9-7) against sixth ranked Shimane SM (9-7) on Friday night. Visiting Chiba Jets were crushed by Shimane SM in Shimane 90-59. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Chiba Jets. Shimane SM had a 31-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American forward Perrin Buford (198, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) helped adding 24 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Four Shimane SM players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 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. Shimane SM moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Chiba Jets. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: S.Ando 24+8reb+6ast, P.Buford 19+16reb+4ast, N.Kay 16+9reb+1ast, T.Shota 11+3reb+2ast, D.Taniguchi 9+1reb, H.Martin 6+4reb
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 16+12reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 14+5reb+6ast, K.Ren 8+1reb+1ast, X.Cooks 7+2reb+3ast, D.Stephens 7+7reb, O.Sota 5+4ast

Hokkaido L. - San-en NP 73-87

No shocking result in a game in Sapporo where second ranked San-en NP (14-2) defeated 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (3-13) 87-73 on Saturday. San-en NP made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas) helped adding 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. San-en NP's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds and DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) scored 21 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for San-en NP. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Hokkaido L. lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the seventh place with 13 games lost. San-en NP will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hokkaido L. will play again against the league's leader San-en NP (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: Y.Maten 19+10reb+2ast, C.Clarke 18+8reb+4ast, S.Ryusei 12+1reb, F.Ravena 11+4reb, D.Dudzinski 10+8reb, K.Kanamaru 9
Hokkaido L.: D.Brooks 21+5reb, T.Welsh 18+15reb, D.Willis 11+4reb+3ast, S.Terazono 10+1reb+1ast, S.Ren 9+3reb+7ast, N.Tsukasa 3+2reb+2ast

Osaka E. - Saga B. 79-84

There was a minor upset when 4th placed Osaka E. (9-7) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Saga B. (8-8) 84-79 on Saturday. Strangely Osaka E. outrebounded Saga B. 40-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) helped adding 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Saga B. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 18 rebounds and the other American import Ian Hummer (201-1990, college: Princeton) scored 4 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Saga B. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Osaka E. lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the third position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Saga B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Osaka E. will play again against Saga B. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 18+7reb+7ast, C.Fieler 16+5reb+4ast, S.Taiki 16+4ast, I.Ryota 15+2ast, Y.Karino 6+1ast, J.Harrellson 5+9reb+3ast
Osaka E.: S.Long 32+18reb+3ast, K.Makoto 16, T.Hashimoto 8+1ast, I.Fumiya 8+3reb+2ast, T.Suzuki 5+3reb+4ast, I.Hummer 4+11reb+1ast

Shinshu BW - Akita NH 64-83

The biggest surprise of round 15 was guest Akita NH's (5-11) easy road victory over Shinshu BW (#7) 83-64 on Saturday evening. Akita NH dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Shinshu BW's 22. They outrebounded Shinshu BW 40-29 including a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) who scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. Five Akita NH players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively. 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 have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shinshu BW will play again at home against Akita NH (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: J.Carter 18+9reb, K.Ko 15+2reb+5ast, T.Furukawa 13+4reb+2ast, S.Zack 13+8reb+3ast, T.Leissner 13+6reb, A.Raita 4+2reb+3ast
Shinshu BW: J.Mutts 19+8reb+4ast, A.Rhon Jhay 13+3reb+1ast, D.Thompson 10+6reb+2ast, E.Kojima-Donley 9+7reb+2ast, H.Kyosuke 6+1reb, L.Kurihara 4+3reb+1ast

Alvark Tokyo - Hiroshima D. 88-75

Very predictable result when first ranked Alvark Tokyo (14-2) beat at home 6th ranked Hiroshima D. (9-7) 88-75 on Saturday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Hiroshima D. 31-20 including 23 on the defensive glass. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists. Brazilian Leonardo Meindl (201-1993) helped adding 17 points and 5 assists. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) with 20 points and the other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 13 points and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the eleventh consecutive win for Alvark Tokyo. They maintain first place with 14-2 record, which they share with San-en NP. Hiroshima D. at the other side dropped to the third position with seven games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Alvark Tokyo will again meet at home Hiroshima D. (#4) in the next round. Hiroshima D. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: R.Rossiter 17+15reb+8ast, L.Meindl 17+4reb+5ast, S.Saiz 12+6reb+2ast, R.Hashimoto 12+1ast, S.Ando 7+3reb+1ast, A.Gudaitis 6+3reb+1ast
Hiroshima D.: K.Blackshear Jr. 20+3reb+3ast, D.Evans 13+2reb+4ast, T.Ryo 12+1reb+6ast, I.Murphy 9+1ast, N.Mayo 8+5reb+3ast, R.Yamazaki 8+2reb+1ast

Gunma CT - FE Nagoya 68-74

Not a big story in a game when 5th ranked Gunma CT (5-11) was defeated at home by third ranked FE Nagoya (9-5) 74-68 on Saturday. FE Nagoya outrebounded Gunma CT 47-25 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when FE Nagoya made 7 blocks. It was a great evening for international Luke Evans (203-1991, college: CBU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds. American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) helped adding 14 points and 11 rebounds. Five FE Nagoya players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) with 14 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200, college: Evergreen St.) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for FE Nagoya. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains third place with 9-5 record having seven points less than leader San-en NP. Gunma CT lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the fifth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Akita NH. FE Nagoya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gunma CT will play again against FE Nagoya (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 15+1reb+2ast, S.O'Mara 14+11reb, L.Evans 12+14reb+1ast, T.Soma 11+3reb+1ast, N.Hiromu 11+5reb+4ast, S.Ryo 4+3reb
Gunma CT: K.Tarczewski 14+7reb+3ast, B.Bentil 12+4reb, M.Parker 11+7reb+1ast, N.Namizato 9+2reb+2ast, A.Hachimura 8+1ast, T.McKinney-Jones 7+3reb+2ast

Ibaraki R. - Nagoya DD 79-89

Everything went according to plan in Mito where first ranked Nagoya DD (13-5) won against 8th ranked Ibaraki R. (1-15) 89-79 on Saturday. Nagoya DD dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Ibaraki R.'s 28. They outrebounded Ibaraki R. 43-18 including a 35-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds. Power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) helped adding 18 points and 10 rebounds. The best for the losing side was forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) scored 21 points. Five Nagoya DD and four Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Nagoya DD. They maintain first place with 13-5 record. Ibaraki R. lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Toyama G.. Nagoya DD will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ibaraki R. will play again against the league's leader Nagoya DD (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 18+12reb+1ast, S.Eatherton 18+10reb+1ast, J.Smith 14+5reb, T.Sato 13+3reb+1ast, T.Nakahigashi 10+4reb+5ast, Y.Suda 8+3reb
Ibaraki R.: T.Kennedy 21+1reb, J.O'Bryant III 16+4reb+1ast, Y.Hayato 13+1reb, C.Tapscott 10+6reb+7ast, A.Brandt 8+4reb, N.Kohei 7+2ast

Kyoto H. - Toyama G. 87-82

There was a minor upset when their close opponent Toyama G. (1-15) was defeated on the road by eighth ranked Kyoto H. (4-12) 87-82 on Saturday. Kyoto H. made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Strangely Toyama G. outrebounded Kyoto H. 45-21 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 6 assists. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) helped adding 18 points and 7 rebounds. Four Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) scored 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Kyoto H.. They moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Shinshu BW. Toyama G. lost their fifteenth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with 15 games lost. They share it with Ibaraki R.. Kyoto H. will again meet at home Toyama G. (#8) in the next round. Toyama G. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: O.Yuta 21+2reb+6ast, R.Aoki 18+1ast, C.Jackson 18+7reb+1ast, K.Jones 16+7reb+2ast, S.Reon 7+1reb+2ast, M.Wright 4+3reb+7ast
Toyama G.: I.Buva 27+11reb+2ast, N.Gadson 23+6reb+5ast, T.Murphy Jr. 10+7reb+2ast, T.Mito 5+1reb+3ast, R.Ono 5+2reb+5ast, T.Ito 5+3reb+5ast

Sea Horses M. - Ryukyu GK 93-73

There was a small surprise in Kariya where fourth ranked Sea Horses M. (8-8) smashed second-best Ryukyu GK (12-4) 93-73 on Saturday. Sea Horses M. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 18 points and 6 rebounds. Five Sea Horses M. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds. Ryukyu GK's coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Sea Horses M. maintains fourth place with 8-8 record, which they share with Saga B. Defending champion Ryukyu GK keeps the second position with four games lost. Sea Horses M. will again meet at home league's second-placed Ryukyu GK in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ryukyu GK will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: Z.Auguste 18+6reb+1ast, J.Layman 16+10reb+4ast, D.Gardner 16+4reb+4ast, K.Ishii 11+1reb+4ast, D.Lee 10+3ast, Y.Nishida 10+1reb+2ast
Ryukyu GK: R.Kishimoto 14+1reb+3ast, M.Yoshiyuki 12, J.Cooley 12+9reb+1ast, A.Durham 9+11reb+6ast, V.Law 8+7reb+3ast, S.Onodera 8+1reb

Yokohama BC - Tochigi Brex 53-86

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Yokohama BC (6-10) was rolled over at home by second ranked Tochigi Brex (13-3) 86-53 on Saturday. Tochigi Brex dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Yokohama BC's 24. They outrebounded Yokohama BC 51-33 including a 41-29 advantage in defensive rebounds. 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, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) helped adding 15 points and 10 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) with 7 points and 11 rebounds and international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) scored 10 points. 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. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Tochigi Brex. They maintain second place with 13-3 record behind leader San-en NP, which they share with Kawasaki BT. Yokohama BC lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with ten games lost. They share it with Hitachi SRT. Tochigi Brex will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Yokohama BC will play again against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: G.Jerrett 15+10reb+1ast, T.Shinji 13+2reb, D.Newbill 13+8reb+5ast, M.Hiejima 11+2reb+1ast, S.Ikaruga 10+4reb+2ast, H.Watanabe 8
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 10+3reb+3ast, S.Koya 9, D.Oliver 7+11reb+2ast, M.Hiroki 6+1reb+1ast, J.Scott 6+7reb+1ast, K.King 5+1reb+3ast

Hitachi SRT - Sendai 89ers 92-82

There was a small surprise in Tokyo where sixth ranked Hitachi SRT (6-10) beat 4th placed Sendai 89ers (7-9) 92-82 on Saturday. Hitachi SRT made 26-of-33 free shots (78.8 percent) during the game, while Sendai 89ers only scored five points from the stripe. Hitachi SRT looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for the former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who led his team to a victory scoring 28 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) helped adding 20 points and 10 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). The best for the losing side was Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and guard Ryo Abe (184-1995) scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Hitachi SRT and five Sendai 89ers players scored in double figures. Sendai 89ers' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the third consecutive win for Hitachi SRT. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Yokohama BC. Sendai 89ers lost their third game in a row. They keep the fourth position with nine games lost. Hitachi SRT will again meet at home higher ranked Sendai 89ers (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sendai 89ers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: J.Hawkinson 28+6reb+2ast, J.Gibbs 20+10reb+1ast, L.Vendrame 13+5ast, R.Kelly 12+2reb+1ast, A.Clemmons 8+6reb+6ast, D.Tanaka 7+1reb+6ast
Sendai 89ers: R.Abe 16+7reb+6ast, V.Gerun 14+15reb+6ast, W.Shota 11+1reb+3ast, N.Boothe 11+3reb+7ast, D.Washington 10+4reb, M.Kataoka 7+1ast

Nagasaki - Kawasaki BT 77-80

Important game to mention about took place in Nagasaki. Second ranked Kawasaki BT (13-3) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 3rd placed Nagasaki (10-6) 80-77 in the game for the second place. Kawasaki BT players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was a good game for the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 23 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) answered with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and international Yudai Baba (196-1995) added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Nagasaki. Five Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Kawasaki BT have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain second place with 13-3 record behind leader San-en NP, which they share with Tochigi Brex. Newly promoted Nagasaki keeps the third position with six games lost. Kawasaki BT will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagasaki will play again at home against the league's second-placed Kawasaki BT and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: J.Heath 23+6reb+1ast, N.Fazekas 18+20reb+9ast, R.Allen 14+2reb, T.Wimbush 9+2reb, Y.Fujii 5+2reb+4ast, R.Shinoyama 4+2reb+3ast
Nagasaki: N.Perkins 17+5reb+4ast, M.Bonds 14+6reb+2ast, M.Morikawa 13+3reb, J.Brantley 11+7reb+3ast, Y.Baba 11+7reb+5ast, A.Hirohide 5+8reb+3ast