B1 League Round 22 (Regular Season): San-en NP lose to Sea Horses M.

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked San-en NP (18-4) recorded its fourth loss in Kariya on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked SeaHorses (14-8) 94-87. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of San-en NP. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) fired 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) produced 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for lost side. San-en NP's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. SeaHorses have an impressive six-game winning streak. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place, which they share with Kawasaki. San-en NP at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. Sea Horses M. is looking forward to face Hiroshima D. (#5) on the road in the next round. San-en NP will play against Shinshu (#7) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Okinawa. Fourth ranked Nagasaki (13-9) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging top-ranked Golden Kings (17-5) 76-74 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Golden Kings. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. Yudai Baba contributed with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Nagasaki's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists for Ryukyu. Nagasaki moved-up to third place, which they share with Shimane SM. Defending champion Ryukyu still keeps top position with five games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex. Nagasaki will play against Osaka E. (#7) on the road in the next round. Ryukyu will play against Gunma CT (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Saga between Ballooners and Magic. Sixth ranked Ballooners (11-11) got a very close home victory over 3rd ranked Magic (13-9). Ballooners managed to escape with a 3-point win 80-77 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Magic. Reynaldo Garcia scored 24 points to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Perrin Buford responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Saga B. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hiroshima D. Loser Magic keeps the third position with nine games lost. They share it with Nagasaki. Saga B. will meet at home Yokohama BC (#6) in the next round. Shimane SM will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 22 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Gunma CT was crushed by Akita NH in a road game 84-56. Kawasaki was beaten by Toyama G. at home 71-87. Kyoto H. was destroyed by Nagoya DD on the opponent's court 90-70. Hiroshima D. outscored Osaka E. in a home game 80-56. Ibaraki R. recorded a loss to Sendai 89ers on the road 75-71. Yokohama BC defeated FE Nagoya on its own court 71-62. Chiba Jets were beaten by Tochigi Brex in a road game 78-65. Shinshu lost to Sunrockers Sh. at home 81-97. Hokkaido L. was outscored by Alvark Tokyo on the opponent's court 54-81.



Akita NH - Gunma CT 84-56

There was a minor upset in Akita where one of their biggest challengers Thunders (10-12) were crushed by sixth ranked Happinets (10-12) 84-56 on Wednesday. Akita NH outrebounded Gunma CT 37-23 including a 30-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Akita NH looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American Tanner Leissner (201-1995, college: UNH) had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) chipped in 12 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) responded with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Ghanian-American Ben Bentil (206-1995, college: Providence) scored 13 points and 5 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. Akita NH moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated Gunma CT. Akita NH will meet Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round. Gunma CT will play against the league's leader Ryukyu (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: T.Leissner 18+12reb+1ast, S.Zack 12+8reb+2ast, J.Carter 10+5reb+2ast, O.Akitoshi 8, T.Furukawa 8+2reb+2ast, S.Taguchi 8+1reb
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 15+5reb+4ast, K.Tarczewski 14+5reb, B.Bentil 13+5reb+2ast, N.Tsuji 7, N.Namizato 4+1reb+5ast, K.Flippin 3+2reb

Kawasaki BT - Toyama G. 71-87

There was a surprise result in Kanagawa where eighth ranked Grouses (2-20) defeated much higher ranked Brave Thunders (14-8) 87-71 on Wednesday. It was a great shooting night for Toyama G. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and naturalized American guard Troy Murphy Jr (195-2002, college: Dominican, CA) chipped in 14 points and 7 assists during the contest. At the losing side American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) responded with 18 points and 5 rebounds and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 9 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Toyama G. maintains eighth position with 2-20 record. Kawasaki lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Sea Horses M.. Toyama G. will meet at home higher ranked Sunrockers Sh. (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Kawasaki will play against FE Nagoya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: I.Buva 20+10reb+3ast, T.Murphy Jr. 14+4reb+7ast, Q.Miller-Scott 13+10reb, U.Shunsuke 9+1reb+1ast, N.Gadson 9+5reb+3ast, T.Mito 6
Kawasaki BT: Y.Fujii 21+2reb, T.Wimbush 18+5reb+2ast, R.Allen 9+12reb+3ast, N.Reiya 6+2reb, N.Fazekas 6+7reb+3ast, I.Ryo 4+4reb

Nagoya DD - Kyoto H. 90-70

Very expected game in Nagoya where 8th ranked Kyoto H. (6-16) was rolled over by second ranked Dolphins (15-9) 90-70 on Wednesday. Nagoya DD shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) had a double-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and international guard Yutaroh Suda (190-1992) chipped in 24 points (perfect from downtown making all seven shots !!!) during the contest. Four Dolphins players scored in double figures. At the losing side American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) scored 8 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nagoya DD maintains second position with 15-9 record having two points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Loser Kyoto H. keeps the eighth place with 16 games lost. Nagoya DD will meet league's leader Alvark Tokyo on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kyoto H. will play against Hokkaido L. (#7) in Sapporo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: Y.Suda 24+1reb, S.Eatherton 16+13reb+5ast, T.Nakatsuka 13+3reb+3ast, R.Franks 12+5reb+1ast, J.Smith 8+6reb+3ast, T.Nakahigashi 7+3ast
Kyoto H.: S.Reon 13+4ast, C.Jackson 13+10reb+1ast, C.Diallo 12+2reb+1ast, K.Jones 8+10reb+1ast, M.Wright 6+2reb+2ast, K.Seiya 5+4reb+2ast

Hiroshima D. - Osaka E. 80-56

Everything could happen in Hiroshima at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Dragonflies and 7th ranked Osaka E. had identical 10-11 record. This time Dragonflies used a home court advantage and outscored the opponent from Osaka 80-56 on Wednesday night. The game was also dominated by American players. Forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) chipped in 11 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Dragonflies players scored in double figures. Dragonflies' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Ian Hummer (201-1990, college: Princeton) responded with 12 points and 9 rebounds and forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Hiroshima D. maintains fifth position with 11-11 record, which they share with Saga B. Loser Osaka E. dropped to the fourth place with 12 games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Hiroshima D. will meet at home higher ranked Sea Horses M. (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Osaka E. will play against Nagasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 16+9reb+5ast, T.Ryo 12+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 11+6reb+3ast, N.Mayo 11+2reb+3ast, N.Takuto 8+1reb+1ast, I.Murphy 7+2reb
Osaka E.: S.Long 14+8reb+1ast, I.Hummer 12+9reb+3ast, T.Hashimoto 10+2reb+6ast, I.Fumiya 4+1reb+3ast, J.Takeuchi 4+1reb, T.Suzuki 4+4ast

Saga B. - Shimane SM 80-77

A very close game took place in Saga between Ballooners and Magic. Sixth ranked Ballooners (11-11) got a very close home victory over 3rd ranked Magic (13-9). Ballooners managed to escape with a 3-point win 80-77 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Magic. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) scored 24 points to lead the charge for the winners and American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. At the losing side American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) scored 23 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Saga B. moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Hiroshima D. Loser Magic keeps the third position with nine games lost. They share it with Nagasaki. Saga B. will meet at home Yokohama BC (#6) in the next round. Shimane SM will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 24+4reb+2ast, Y.Childs 15+6reb+1ast, C.Fieler 15+7reb+1ast, J.Harrellson 12+4reb+6ast, S.Taiki 8+1reb+6ast, Y.Karino 3
Shimane SM: P.Buford 30+14reb+6ast, S.Ando 23+4reb+2ast, N.Kay 13+5reb+6ast, N.Williams 8+4reb, D.Taniguchi 3, K.Hareyama 0+1reb

Sea Horses M. - San-en NP 94-87

Top ranked San-en NP (18-4) recorded its fourth loss in Kariya on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by third ranked SeaHorses (14-8) 94-87. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of San-en NP. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. The game was dominated by American players. Power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) fired 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. Forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) produced 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) added 11 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. San-en NP's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. SeaHorses have an impressive six-game winning streak. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place, which they share with Kawasaki. San-en NP at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. Sea Horses M. is looking forward to face Hiroshima D. (#5) on the road in the next round. San-en NP will play against Shinshu (#7) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 35+7reb+4ast, K.Yoshiaki 14+3reb+2ast, J.Layman 14+5reb, R.Sumino 11+1reb+1ast, Z.Auguste 8+8reb+1ast, K.Ishii 7+4reb+1ast
San-en NP: C.Clarke 16+9reb+8ast, F.Ravena 14+3reb, K.Kanamaru 12+3reb+1ast, D.Dudzinski 11+4reb+5ast, S.Ryusei 10+4reb+5ast, H.Kazuki 9+5reb+1ast

Sendai 89ers - Ibaraki R. 75-71

Not a big story in a game in Sendai where 8th ranked Robots (1-21) were defeated by fifth ranked 89ers (10-12) 75-71 on Wednesday. Sendai 89ers outrebounded Ibaraki R. 53-34 including a 26-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) had a double-double by scoring 11 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) chipped in 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 15 rebounds and American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Sendai 89ers and five Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Sendai 89ers moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Ibaraki R. lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 21 games lost. Sendai 89ers will meet at home higher ranked Chiba Jets (#3) in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Ibaraki R. will play against Akita NH (#5) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: N.Boothe 19+9reb+4ast, W.Ryu 11+3reb, R.Abe 11+7reb+4ast, V.Gerun 11+19reb+4ast, M.Kataoka 8+2reb, Y.Aoki 6+2reb+4ast
Ibaraki R.: C.Tapscott 17+5reb+4ast, A.Hirao 12+3reb+4ast, A.Brandt 12+15reb+1ast, N.Kohei 11+1reb+1ast, Y.Hayato 11+4reb+2ast, T.Kennedy 8+4reb+1ast

Yokohama BC - FE Nagoya 71-62

There was a small surprise in Yokohama where sixth ranked B-Corsairs (10-12) won against one of their biggest challengers Fighting Eagles (12-8) 71-62 on Wednesday. International guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. B-Corsairs have a solid three-game winning streak. Yokohama BC moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the fourth position with eight games lost. Yokohama BC will meet Saga B. (#6) on the road in the next round. FE Nagoya will play against the league's second-placed Kawasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 23+5reb+10ast, J.Uthoff 15+3reb+2ast, D.Oliver 12+6reb+4ast, J.Scott 8+10reb, K.King 6+1ast, S.Koya 4+1reb+1ast
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 15+11reb+1ast, J.Jones 14+8reb+1ast, A.Henry 13+5reb, N.Hiromu 7+2reb+3ast, L.Evans 5+6reb, T.Sugimoto 4+3reb

Tochigi Brex - Chiba Jets 78-65

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 3rd ranked Jets' (12-10) road loss to second ranked Tochigi Brex (17-5) 65-78 on Wednesday. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Chiba Jets' players. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) scored 18 points and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 14 rebounds and the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) scored 23 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Ryukyu. Loser Jets keep the third place with ten games lost. Tochigi Brex will meet at home Shimane SM (#4) in the next round. Chiba Jets will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: M.Hiejima 18+4reb+5ast, I.Fotu 14+6reb+1ast, G.Jerrett 11+7reb, K.Takeuchi 9+4reb+2ast, Y.Endo 9+4ast, D.Newbill 9+5reb+4ast
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 23+14reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 23+4reb+3ast, D.Stephens 7+6reb, I.Brown 5+7reb, O.Sota 4+4reb, X.Cooks 3+9reb+2ast

Shinshu BW - Sunrockers Sh. 81-97

No shocking result in a game in Nagano where fifth ranked SunRockers (10-12) defeated 7th ranked Brave Warriors (4-18) 97-81 on Wednesday. Sunrockers Sh. made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great shooting night for Sunrockers Sh. especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. American forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) scored 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) chipped in 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. SunRockers' coach Luka Pavicevic used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds and American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Sunrockers Sh. and five Shinshu players scored in double figures. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 5 other teams. Shinshu lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 18 games lost. Sunrockers Sh. will meet Toyama G. (#8) on the road in the next round. Shinshu will play against the league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: A.Clemmons 24+5reb+2ast, J.Gibbs 24+5reb+4ast, R.Kelly 12+4reb+1ast, D.Tanaka 12+2reb+3ast, A.Chambers 9+2reb+1ast, Y.Nagayoshi 8+3reb
Shinshu BW: J.Mutts 21+7reb, A.Rhon Jhay 14+3reb+2ast, D.Simon 13+5reb+1ast, E.Kojima-Donley 12+2reb+3ast, D.Thompson 12+8reb, K.Ishikawa 7+4ast

Alvark Tokyo - Hokkaido L. 81-54

Very expected game when 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (5-17) was rolled over on the road by first ranked Alvark Tokyo (19-3) 81-54 on Wednesday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Hokkaido L. 41-24 including 27 on the defensive glass. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Lithuanian center Arturas Gudaitis (211-1993) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. At the losing side American DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) responded with 15 points and Filipino guard Dwight Ramos (193-1998, college: CPP) scored 12 points. 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 have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 19-3 record. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the seventh place with 17 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will meet at home league's second-placed Nagoya DD in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hokkaido L. will play against Kyoto H. (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 17+13reb, A.Gudaitis 12+9reb, K.Toews 11+5ast, S.Ando 11+2reb+1ast, Z.Baranski 10+3reb, Y.Hirotaka 8+2reb
Hokkaido L.: D.Brooks 15+4reb+2ast, D.Ramos 12+4reb+2ast, T.Welsh 8+7reb+2ast, S.Terazono 6+2reb+1ast, N.Tsukasa 5+3reb+1ast, S.Ren 4

Ryukyu GK - Nagasaki 74-76

Important game to mention about took place in Okinawa. Fourth ranked Nagasaki (13-9) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging top-ranked Golden Kings (17-5) 76-74 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Golden Kings. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. International Yudai Baba (196-1995) contributed with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Nagasaki's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) added 11 points and 4 assists in the effort for Ryukyu. Four Ryukyu players scored in double figures. Nagasaki moved-up to third place, which they share with Shimane SM. Defending champion Ryukyu still keeps top position with five games lost. They share it with Tochigi Brex. Nagasaki will play against Osaka E. (#7) on the road in the next round. Ryukyu will play against Gunma CT (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 22+11reb+3ast, Y.Baba 18+8reb+7ast, J.Brantley 15+6reb+3ast, A.Hirohide 8+1ast, K.Matsumoto 6+4reb+1ast, K.Koya 3+1reb
Ryukyu GK: V.Law 22+17reb+7ast, S.Onodera 13+5reb, K.Imamura 11+4reb+4ast, U.Yoshiya 10+8reb+1ast, M.Yoshiyuki 9+1reb, R.Kishimoto 6+3reb+5ast