B1 League Round 18 (Regular Season): Ryukyu defeats Shinshu in the closest game of the week

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Seventh-ranked Brave Warriors (4-14) gave a tough game to first ranked Golden Kings (14-4) in Okinawa on Saturday. Golden Kings managed to secure only two-point victory 83-81. However their fans expected much easier game. Ryukyu made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Filipino guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (181-1999) with 22 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Golden Kings have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 14-4 record, which they share with Kawasaki and Tochigi Brex. Shinshu lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 14 games lost. Ryukyu is looking forward to face Shinshu (#7) in Nagano in the next round where they are favorite. Shinshu will have a break next round.
Important game to mention about took place in Tochigi. Second ranked Tochigi Brex (14-4) saved a 3-point victory at home edging their close opponent Brave Thunders (14-4) 86-83 in the game for the first place. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) notched a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals to lead the effort and Isaac Fotu supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Even a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki. Brave Thunders' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Tochigi Brex keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kawasaki and Ryukyu. Tochigi Brex will play against league's second-placed Kawasaki in Kanagawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kawasaki will have a break next round.
Eighth-ranked Robots (1-17) gave a tough game to seventh ranked Ballooners (9-9) in Saga on Saturday. Ballooners managed to secure only two-point victory 74-72. However their fans expected easier game. The best player for the winners was Reynaldo Garcia who scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Johnny OBryant III who recorded a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Saga B. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Osaka E. Ibaraki R. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Toyama G.. Saga B. will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 18: San-en NP won against Hiroshima D. on the opponent's court 84-77. Toyama G. was outscored by Alvark Tokyo in a home game 66-89. Yokohama BC recorded a loss to Akita NH on the road 93-85. Nagoya DD was crushed by Chiba Jets on its own court 61-92. Hokkaido L. was beaten by Gunma CT in a road game 84-73. Kyoto H. won against Shimane SM at home 85-70. FE Nagoya managed to outperform Nagasaki on the opponent's court 84-71. Sendai 89ers recorded a loss to Sea Horses M. in a home game 77-81. Osaka E. was crushed by Hitachi SRT on the road 79-56.



Hiroshima D. - San-en NP 77-84

Rather expected game in Hiroshima where 4th ranked Dragonflies (10-8) were defeated by second ranked San-en NP (15-3) 84-77 on Saturday. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) chipped in 7 points and 11 rebounds. Four San-en NP players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively. San-en NP keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Hiroshima D. at the other side keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M. and Shimane SM. San-en NP will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Hiroshima D. will play again against the league's leader San-en NP (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: S.Ryusei 18+1reb+2ast, F.Ravena 16+4reb+1ast, Y.Maten 15+7reb, C.Clarke 15+1reb+3ast, D.Dudzinski 7+11reb+3ast, H.Kazuki 6+3reb
Hiroshima D.: T.Ryo 21+2reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 14+13reb+4ast, D.Evans 13+11reb+2ast, R.Yamazaki 8+3reb+1ast, N.Takuto 7+3reb+1ast, I.Murphy 6+2reb+1ast

Toyama G. - Alvark Tokyo 66-89

Very predictable result in Toyama where first ranked Alvark Tokyo (15-3) smashed 8th ranked Grouses (1-17) 89-66 on Saturday. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who scored 9 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) who recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. 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 15-3 record, which they share with San-en NP. Toyama G. at the other side keeps the eighth place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Ibaraki R.. Alvark Tokyo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyama G. will play again against the league's leader Alvark Tokyo (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: A.Gudaitis 16+3reb, S.Saiz 15+7reb, L.Meindl 13+4reb+1ast, S.Ando 12+1reb+2ast, R.Rossiter 9+15reb+7ast, O.Taiki 8+2reb+3ast
Toyama G.: I.Buva 21+8reb, N.Yoshiyuki 13, R.Ono 12+3reb+2ast, N.Gadson 9+5reb+6ast, A.Chol 5+3reb, T.Ito 3+3reb+3ast

Akita NH - Yokohama BC 93-85

There was a minor upset in Akita where their close opponent B-Corsairs (7-11) were defeated by fifth ranked Happinets (7-11) 93-85 on Saturday. Akita NH outrebounded Yokohama BC 46-27 including a 31-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Akita NH looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. The other American import Tanner Leissner (201-1995, college: UNH) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Five Happinets players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) who recorded 31 points and American forward Jarrod Uthoff (206-1993, college: Iowa) added 16 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Happinets have a solid four-game winning streak. Akita NH maintains fifth position with 7-11 record, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Yokohama BC. Akita NH will meet at home Yokohama BC (#6) in the next round. Yokohama BC will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: R.Yasuoka 17+1ast, T.Leissner 17+12reb+1ast, S.Zack 15+10reb+7ast, T.Furukawa 13+1reb+2ast, J.Carter 10+5reb+1ast, A.Raita 9+3reb+2ast
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 31+4reb+3ast, J.Uthoff 16+4reb+2ast, Y.Sugiura 11+4reb+1ast, S.Koya 6+1reb+2ast, K.King 4, J.Scott 4+7reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Chiba Jets 61-92

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Nagoya where third ranked Jets (11-7) outscored second-best Dolphins (13-7) 92-61 on Saturday. Chiba Jets dominated down low during the game scoring 38 of its points in the paint compared to Dolphins's 16. The best player for the winners was American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 16 points and 9 rebounds. The other American import swingman DJ Stephens (195-1990, college: Memphis) chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. Four Jets players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) who recorded 7 points and 12 rebounds and international guard Yutaroh Suda (190-1992) added 15 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 11-7 record having four points less than leader Ryukyu GK, which they share with Nagasaki. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second place with seven games lost. Chiba Jets will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagoya DD will play against Chiba Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: K.Ren 22+1reb+1ast, J.Mooney 16+9reb+2ast, D.Stephens 15+9reb+1ast, O.Sota 13, Y.Togashi 12+1reb+3ast, X.Cooks 8+8reb+4ast
Nagoya DD: Y.Suda 15+3reb+1ast, T.Saito 10+2reb+3ast, T.Sato 9+2reb, J.Smith 7+12reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 6+5reb+1ast, T.Nakahigashi 5+3reb+3ast

Gunma CT - Hokkaido L. 84-73

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Hokkaido L.'s (3-15) road loss to sixth ranked Thunders (7-11) 73-84 on Saturday. Gunma CT looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who scored 16 points and 5 assists. Ghanian-American Ben Bentil (206-1995, college: Providence) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. Five Thunders players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) who recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds and his fellow American import DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) added 15 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gunma CT moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Hokkaido L. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 15 games lost. Gunma CT will again meet at home Hokkaido L. (#7) in the next round. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 16+3reb+5ast, B.Bentil 14+6reb+1ast, N.Tsuji 14+7ast, A.Hachimura 12+1reb+1ast, K.Tarczewski 11+6reb+1ast, K.Kimura 6+1reb
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 20+8reb+2ast, D.Brooks 15+4reb+1ast, T.Welsh 9+9reb+1ast, S.Terazono 7+1reb+10ast, S.Ren 6+2reb+7ast, K.Sekino 5+2reb+1ast

Kyoto H. - Shimane SM 85-70

There was a surprise result when eighth ranked Kyoto H. (5-13) won against at home higher ranked Magic (10-8) 85-70 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) who had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists. Mali power forward Cheick Diallo (206-1996, college: Kansas) chipped in a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Perrin Buford (198, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Five Kyoto H. and four Shimane SM players scored in double figures. Magic's coach let to play ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kyoto H. maintains eighth position with 5-13 record. Shimane SM at the other side keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M. and Hiroshima D.. Kyoto H. will meet at home higher ranked Shimane SM (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shimane SM will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: C.Diallo 26+11reb+1ast, O.Yuta 21+7reb+11ast, C.Jackson 14+11reb, H.Ryota 11+4reb, K.Jones 10+3reb+1ast, K.Mizuno 2+2reb+3ast
Shimane SM: P.Buford 24+8reb+5ast, S.Ando 14+5reb+3ast, N.Williams 12+6reb, N.Kay 12+6reb+1ast, H.Martin 5+4reb, K.Hareyama 3

Tochigi Brex - Kawasaki BT 86-83

Important game to mention about took place in Tochigi. Second ranked Tochigi Brex (14-4) saved a 3-point victory at home edging their close opponent Brave Thunders (14-4) 86-83 in the game for the first place. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Tochigi Brex made 18-of-22 charity shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) notched a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals to lead the effort and Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki. The former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) added 18 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Brave Thunders' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Tochigi Brex keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Kawasaki and Ryukyu. Tochigi Brex will play against league's second-placed Kawasaki in Kanagawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kawasaki will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 18+10reb+8ast, I.Fotu 17+6reb+1ast, Y.Endo 14+1reb+1ast, M.Hiejima 13+1reb+1ast, H.Watanabe 11+1reb+2ast, K.Takeuchi 9+5reb+4ast
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 18+8reb+5ast, R.Allen 18+14reb, Y.Fujii 17+1reb+6ast, T.Wimbush 9+2reb, I.Ryo 9, T.Hasegawa 8+3reb

Nagasaki - FE Nagoya 71-84

There was a minor upset when their close opponent Nagasaki (11-7) was defeated at home by third ranked Fighting Eagles (11-5) 84-71 on Saturday. FE Nagoya dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Nagasaki's 32. FE Nagoya forced 21 Nagasaki turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) who scored 27 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds. Four Fighting Eagles players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and point guard Kenjileon Matsumoto (183-1994) added 18 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fighting Eagles have an impressive five-game winning streak. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains third position with 11-5 record having six points less than leader Ryukyu GK which they share with defeated Nagasaki. Nagasaki at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keeps the third place with seven games lost. They share the position with Chiba Jets. FE Nagoya will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagasaki will play against FE Nagoya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 27+8reb+2ast, T.Sugimoto 11+1reb, A.Henry 10+4reb+1ast, S.Ryo 10+7reb+1ast, J.Jones 10+6reb+3ast, T.Sasayama 8+1reb+4ast
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 21+7reb+5ast, K.Matsumoto 18+1reb+1ast, Y.Baba 10+4reb+4ast, A.Hirohide 8+2reb+1ast, N.Perkins 6+6reb+4ast, J.Brantley 5+6reb+1ast

Saga B. - Ibaraki R. 74-72

Eighth-ranked Robots (1-17) gave a tough game to seventh ranked Ballooners (9-9) in Saga on Saturday. Ballooners managed to secure only two-point victory 74-72. However their fans expected easier game. The best player for the winners was Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Johnny OBryant III (207-1993, college: LSU, agency: Slash Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) added 23 points respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Saga B. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Osaka E. Ibaraki R. lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 17 games lost. They share it with Toyama G.. Saga B. will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 19+7reb+6ast, C.Fieler 15+6reb+2ast, Y.Karino 9+2reb+1ast, I.Ryota 9+1reb+1ast, S.Taiki 8+2ast, Y.Mitsuhara 8+2reb+1ast
Ibaraki R.: J.O'Bryant III 24+11reb+2ast, T.Kennedy 23+4reb, N.Kohei 8+2reb+2ast, Y.Hayato 5+6reb, A.Brandt 5+8reb+1ast, T.Keita 3

Sendai 89ers - Sea Horses M. 77-81

There was a small surprise in Sendai where fourth ranked SeaHorses (10-8) defeated their close opponent 89ers (8-10) 81-77 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. The former international forward Yudai Nishida (190-1999) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) who recorded 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) added 8 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. 89ers' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Sea Horses M. maintains fourth position with 10-8 record, which they share with Hiroshima D. and Shimane SM. Sendai 89ers at the other side keep the fourth place with ten games lost. Sea Horses M. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sendai 89ers will play against Sea Horses M. (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 18+6reb+3ast, Y.Nishida 17+5reb+3ast, Z.Auguste 11+5reb, J.Layman 11+8reb+1ast, D.Lee 9+6reb+6ast, R.Sumino 7
Sendai 89ers: N.Boothe 20+8reb+4ast, M.Kataoka 16, R.Abe 13+4reb+4ast, W.Shota 10+1reb+5ast, Y.Aoki 8+2reb+3ast, V.Gerun 8+12reb+4ast

Hitachi SRT - Osaka E. 79-56

There was a minor upset in Tokyo where their close opponent Osaka E. (9-9) was rolled over by sixth ranked SunRockers (7-11) 79-56 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) who scored 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 23 points and 9 rebounds and Fumiya Iio (187-2000) added 10 points respectively. 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 moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Osaka E. lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Saga B.. Hitachi SRT will again meet at home Osaka E. (#7) in the next round. Osaka E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hitachi SRT: J.Hawkinson 20+6reb+1ast, A.Clemmons 16+8reb+5ast, R.Kelly 11+5reb+2ast, A.Chambers 8+3reb+2ast, D.Tanaka 7+1ast, J.Gibbs 6+13reb
Osaka E.: S.Long 23+9reb+1ast, I.Fumiya 10+3reb+2ast, A.Tajima 5+2reb+4ast, I.Hummer 5+5reb+1ast, K.Makoto 4+1reb+1ast, T.Hashimoto 3+4reb

Ryukyu GK - Shinshu BW 83-81

Seventh-ranked Brave Warriors (4-14) gave a tough game to first ranked Golden Kings (14-4) in Okinawa on Saturday. Golden Kings managed to secure only two-point victory 83-81. However their fans expected much easier game. Ryukyu made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) chipped in 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Filipino guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (181-1999) with 22 points and American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Golden Kings have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 14-4 record, which they share with Kawasaki and Tochigi Brex. Shinshu lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 14 games lost. Ryukyu is looking forward to face Shinshu (#7) in Nagano in the next round where they are favorite. Shinshu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: J.Cooley 18+13reb+2ast, A.Durham 17+5reb+4ast, K.Imamura 13+2ast, R.Kishimoto 12+4reb+3ast, N.Tashiro 7+1reb, V.Law 6+2reb
Shinshu BW: A.Rhon Jhay 22+2reb+3ast, D.Thompson 14+8reb+2ast, J.Mutts 14+6reb+3ast, E.Kojima-Donley 8+7reb+2ast, D.Simon 8+6reb+2ast, Y.Fuki 5+1reb+2ast