B1 League Round 24 (Regular Season): Alvark Tokyo is defeated by Nagoya DD

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Alvark Tokyo (20-4) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were rolled over by second ranked Dolphins (16-10) 82-59. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Alvark Tokyo. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who added 16 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Alvark Tokyo's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Nagoya DD maintains second position with 16-10 record having two points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Alvark Tokyo at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. They share the position with San-en NP. Nagoya DD are looking forward to face Kawasaki (#3) in Kanagawa in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Alvark Tokyo will play on the road against Saga B. and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Tochigi Brex (18-6) against fourth ranked Magic (14-10) on Sunday night. Host Tochigi Brex was defeated by Magic in Tochigi 76-60. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tochigi Brex. The winners were led by American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists and Nick Kay supported him with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Even 17 points by American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) did not help to save the game for Tochigi Brex. Shimane SM moved-up to third place. Tochigi Brex at the other side still keeps top position with six games lost. They share it with Ryukyu. Shimane SM will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tochigi Brex will play on the road against Shinshu in Nagano and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Brave Thunders (15-9) against fourth ranked Fighting Eagles (13-9) on Sunday night. Visiting Brave Thunders were defeated by Fighting Eagles in Nagoya 84-67. The best player for the winners was Aaron Henry who scored 13 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Nick Fazekas who recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Brave Thunders' coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains fourth position with 13-9 record. Loser Brave Thunders keeps the third place with nine games lost. FE Nagoya will meet Akita NH (#4) on the road in the next round. Kawasaki will play against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 24: Sunrockers Sh. won against Toyama G. on the opponent's court 82-68. Hiroshima D. unfortunately lost to Sea Horses M. in a home game 78-83. Kyoto H. recorded a loss to Hokkaido L. on the road 64-77. Saga B. crushed Yokohama BC on its own court 102-63. Ryukyu beat Gunma CT in Okinawa 81-72. Ibaraki R. lost to Akita NH at home 72-88. Shinshu was outscored by San-en NP on the opponent's court 55-96. Sendai 89ers were rolled over Chiba Jets in a home game 72-96. Nagasaki was defeated by Osaka E. on the road 90-72.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 20 points and 12 rebounds by Shawn Long of Osaka E..



Toyama G. - Sunrockers Sh. 68-82

Rather expected game in Toyama where 8th ranked Grouses (3-21) were defeated by fifth ranked SunRockers (11-13) 82-68 on Sunday. Sunrockers Sh. made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four SunRockers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Quincy Miller-Scott (206-1992, college: Baylor, agency: Slash Sports) who recorded 16 points and 6 rebounds and Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Sunrockers Sh. maintains fifth position with 11-13 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Grouses keeps the eighth place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: A.Clemmons 16+2ast, R.Kelly 15+6reb+2ast, J.Hawkinson 14+10reb+3ast, L.Vendrame 11+2reb+3ast, D.Tanaka 10+1reb+1ast, K.Tsuya 8
Toyama G.: Q.Miller-Scott 16+6reb+2ast, I.Buva 14+6reb, N.Gadson 11+4reb+2ast, T.Murphy Jr. 5+4reb, U.Shunsuke 5+2reb+2ast, R.Ono 4

Hiroshima D. - Sea Horses M. 78-83

Rather predictable result in Hiroshima where third ranked SeaHorses (16-8) defeated 6th ranked Dragonflies (11-13) 83-78 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) who recorded 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. SeaHorses have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Sea Horses M. moved-up to second place. Loser Dragonflies dropped to the fifth position with 13 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: J.Layman 18+3reb, Z.Auguste 17+12reb+1ast, D.Gardner 15+7reb+10ast, Y.Nishida 12+1reb+2ast, K.Yoshiaki 9+3reb+1ast, D.Lee 5
Hiroshima D.: N.Mayo 24+5reb+4ast, T.Ryo 13+2reb+2ast, K.Toshiki 11+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 11+10reb, D.Evans 11+2reb+4ast, T.Nephawe 4+2reb

Hokkaido L. - Kyoto H. 77-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 8th ranked Kyoto H.'s (7-17) road loss to seventh ranked Hokkaido L. (6-18) 64-77 on Sunday. Hokkaido L. outrebounded Kyoto H. 47-33 including a 19-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 20 rebounds. The other American import center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds. Five Hokkaido L. players scored in double figures. Hokkaido L.'s coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was Canadian-Filipino guard Matthew Wright (193-1991, college: St.Bonaventure) who recorded 25 points and American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) added 13 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively. Hokkaido L. maintains seventh position with 6-18 record. Loser Kyoto H. keeps the eighth place with 17 games lost. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kyoto H. will play against Ibaraki R. (#8) in Mito and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: D.Brooks 13+4reb, D.Willis 11+7reb, T.Welsh 11+20reb+3ast, S.Terazono 10+2reb+5ast, D.Ramos 10+2reb+2ast, N.Tsukasa 9+1reb
Kyoto H.: M.Wright 25+3reb+3ast, K.Jones 13+7reb, S.Reon 9+2ast, C.Jackson 8+10reb, C.Diallo 4+2reb+1ast, K.Mizuno 3+2reb

Saga B. - Yokohama BC 102-63

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fifth ranked Ballooners' (13-11) home victory over 6th ranked B-Corsairs (10-14) 102-63 on Sunday. Saga B. shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 56.7 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Yokohama BC's players. The best player for the winners was American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) who scored 22 points and 6 assists. The other American import Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) who recorded 21 points and 4 assists and American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) added 12 points and 8 rebounds 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. Ballooners have a solid three-game winning streak. Saga B. moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets and Nagasaki. Loser B-Corsairs keeps the sixth position with 14 games lost. Saga B. will meet at home league's leader Alvark Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Yokohama BC will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: C.Fieler 22+3reb+6ast, Y.Childs 18+10reb+2ast, J.Harrellson 10+5reb+3ast, K.Atsuki 9+3reb+2ast, S.Taiki 9+3reb+4ast, R.Garcia 7+3reb+7ast
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 21+2reb+4ast, D.Oliver 12+8reb, J.Uthoff 11+5reb+1ast, J.Scott 8+9reb, Y.Nishino 5+1reb+1ast, E.Morris 2+1reb

Alvark Tokyo - Nagoya DD 59-82

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Alvark Tokyo (20-4) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were rolled over by second ranked Dolphins (16-10) 82-59. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Alvark Tokyo. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) who helped to win the game recording 31 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who added 16 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds and Brazilian Leonardo Meindl (201-1993) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Alvark Tokyo's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Nagoya DD maintains second position with 16-10 record having two points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Alvark Tokyo at the other side still keeps top place with four games lost. They share the position with San-en NP. Nagoya DD are looking forward to face Kawasaki (#3) in Kanagawa in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Alvark Tokyo will play on the road against Saga B. and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 31+8reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 16+9reb+1ast, Y.Suda 13+2reb+2ast, J.Smith 9+4reb, M.Kikuchi 6, T.Nakahigashi 3+3reb+3ast
Alvark Tokyo: R.Rossiter 16+11reb+2ast, L.Meindl 11+5reb+1ast, K.Toews 6+2reb+1ast, S.Saiz 6+4reb, S.Ando 5+1reb+2ast, O.Taiki 5+1reb

Gunma CT - Ryukyu GK 72-81

There was no surprise in Gunma where 6th ranked Thunders (11-13) were defeated by first ranked Golden Kings (18-6) 81-72 on Sunday. Ryukyu made 26-of-31 free shots (83.9 percent) during the game, while Gunma CT only scored seven points from the stripe. The best player for the winners was American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds. Four Golden Kings players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) who recorded 20 points and 5 rebounds and the former international guard Koh Flippin (188-1996, college: Doane) added 15 points respectively. Thunders' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending champion maintains first position with 18-6 record, which they share with Tochigi Brex. Loser Thunders dropped to the fifth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: V.Law 19+10reb+4ast, R.Kishimoto 14+4reb+2ast, K.Imamura 13+4reb, J.Cooley 11+10reb+1ast, M.Yoshiyuki 9+3reb, N.Tashiro 7+2reb+2ast
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 20+5reb+1ast, K.Flippin 15+3reb+3ast, K.Tarczewski 10+7reb+3ast, B.Bentil 9+2reb+1ast, S.Teru 5+2reb, N.Namizato 4+1reb+3ast

Ibaraki R. - Akita NH 72-88

No shocking result in a game in Mito where fifth ranked Happinets (12-12) won against 8th ranked Robots (1-23) 88-72 on Sunday. Akita NH outrebounded Ibaraki R. 44-26 including 32 on the defensive glass. Akita NH looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Ibaraki R.'s players. The best player for the winners was American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) who had a double-double by scoring 10 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Point guard Takuya Nakayama (182-1994) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) who recorded 21 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import power forward Johnny OBryant III (207-1993, college: LSU, agency: Slash Sports) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Happinets have a solid three-game winning streak. Akita NH moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Osaka E. Ibaraki R. lost thirteenth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 23 games lost. Akita NH will meet at home FE Nagoya (#4) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Kyoto H. (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: S.Taguchi 20+2reb+1ast, T.Leissner 16+4reb+1ast, T.Nakayama 11+9reb+3ast, T.Furukawa 11+2reb+2ast, S.Zack 10+14reb+4ast, K.Ko 9+2reb+8ast
Ibaraki R.: C.Tapscott 21+9reb+3ast, A.Hirao 15+2ast, J.O'Bryant III 13+8reb+2ast, Y.Hayato 13+2reb+1ast, O.Keitaro 6+1reb, M.Reita 3

San-en NP - Shinshu BW 96-55

Very expected game in Hamamatsu where 7th ranked Brave Warriors (4-20) were crushed by first ranked San-en NP (20-4) 96-55 on Sunday. San-en NP outrebounded Shinshu 44-33 including 18 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds. The other American import forward Coty Clarke (201-1992, college: Arkansas, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Four San-en NP 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 17 points and 8 rebounds and American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 6 points and 7 rebounds 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. San-en NP maintains first position with 20-4 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Shinshu lost thirteenth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. San-en NP will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Shinshu will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: Y.Maten 24+13reb+2ast, C.Clarke 16+8reb+4ast, D.Dudzinski 12+10reb+1ast, F.Ravena 10+5reb+2ast, K.Kanamaru 8+1reb, S.Ryusei 7+3reb
Shinshu BW: J.Mutts 17+8reb, D.Simon 10+4reb+1ast, K.Taichi 6+2reb, D.Thompson 6+7reb+2ast, K.Mitsui 6+3reb, A.Rhon Jhay 5+2reb+2ast

Tochigi Brex - Shimane SM 60-76

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Tochigi Brex (18-6) against fourth ranked Magic (14-10) on Sunday night. Host Tochigi Brex was defeated by Magic in Tochigi 76-60. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tochigi Brex. The winners were led by American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who had that evening a triple-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) supported him with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Five Magic players scored in double figures. Even 17 points by American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) did not help to save the game for Tochigi Brex. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Shimane SM moved-up to third place. Tochigi Brex at the other side still keeps top position with six games lost. They share it with Ryukyu. Shimane SM will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tochigi Brex will play on the road against Shinshu in Nagano and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: P.Buford 20+11reb+13ast, N.Kay 19+8reb+1ast, N.Williams 12+8reb, R.Shirahama 11+4reb+1ast, S.Ando 11+7reb, T.Shota 3+1reb+1ast
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 17+3reb+3ast, Y.Endo 11+1reb+1ast, M.Hiejima 10+5reb+6ast, G.Jerrett 8+8reb+1ast, I.Fotu 7+5reb+2ast, T.Shinji 3+2reb

FE Nagoya - Kawasaki BT 84-67

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Brave Thunders (15-9) against fourth ranked Fighting Eagles (13-9) on Sunday night. Visiting Brave Thunders were defeated by Fighting Eagles in Nagoya 84-67. FE Nagoya made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who scored 13 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Swingman Ryo Sadohara (192-1999) chipped in 19 points. Five Fighting Eagles players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) who recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) added 22 points and 5 assists respectively. Brave Thunders' coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains fourth position with 13-9 record. Loser Brave Thunders keeps the third place with nine games lost. FE Nagoya will meet Akita NH (#4) on the road in the next round. Kawasaki will play against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: S.Ryo 19+1reb+1ast, A.Henry 13+9reb+9ast, J.Jones 11+6reb+3ast, T.Sugimoto 10+4reb, S.O'Mara 10+5reb+2ast, T.Sasayama 9+2ast
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 22+3reb+5ast, N.Fazekas 21+12reb+2ast, N.Yuto 8+1reb+2ast, T.Wimbush 7+5reb, T.Hasegawa 3+2reb, I.Ryo 3

Sendai 89ers - Chiba Jets 72-96

Rather predictable result in Sendai where third ranked Jets (13-11) smashed 5th ranked 89ers (11-13) 96-72 on Sunday. Chiba Jets forced 19 Sendai 89ers turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. The former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) chipped in 18 points and 4 assists. Jets' coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) who recorded 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and guard Ryo Abe (184-1995) added 17 points respectively. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 13-11 record having seven points less than leader Ryukyu GK, which they share with Saga B. and Nagasaki. Loser 89ers keep the fifth place with 13 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 20+12reb+3ast, Y.Togashi 18+2reb+4ast, I.Brown 16+4reb+3ast, F.Nishimura 10+2reb+2ast, X.Cooks 9+5reb+4ast, K.Ren 8+4reb+3ast
Sendai 89ers: R.Abe 17+4reb+2ast, N.Boothe 17+5reb+4ast, J.Yang 14+3reb+1ast, V.Gerun 8+9reb+1ast, R.Kobayashi 6+1reb+3ast, Y.Aoki 6+2reb+3ast

Osaka E. - Nagasaki 90-72

There was a minor upset when one of their biggest challengers Nagasaki (13-11) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Osaka E. (12-12) 90-72 on Sunday. Osaka E. dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Nagasaki's 38. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. Ian Hummer (201-1990, college: Princeton) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Five Osaka E. players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston, agency: BIG) who recorded 15 points and power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Osaka E. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH. Newly promoted Nagasaki dropped to the third position with 11 games lost. They share it with Chiba Jets and Saga B.. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: S.Long 20+12reb+3ast, T.Hashimoto 16+2reb+1ast, I.Hummer 15+8reb+3ast, K.Makoto 13+2reb+2ast, A.Caloiaro 11+4reb+3ast, I.Fumiya 7+2reb+1ast
Nagasaki: Y.Baba 17+1ast, J.Brantley 15+3reb+2ast, N.Perkins 12+5reb+2ast, M.Bonds 9+5reb, C.Min-Kug 7+2reb+1ast, T.Kanji 4+2reb+1ast