B1 League Round 28 (Regular Season): FE Nagoya defeat Ryukyu

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Golden Kings (19-8) in Nagoya on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Fighting Eagles (14-11) 68-57. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The other American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds for Ryukyu. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains fourth position with 14-11 record. Defending champion Ryukyu still keeps top place with eight games lost. FE Nagoya are looking forward to face league's leader Ryukyu in Okinawa in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Ryukyu will have a break next round.
Seventh-ranked Hokkaido L. (8-19) was very close to win a game against fifth ranked SunRockers (14-13) in Tokyo. SunRockers managed to secure only one-point victory 74-73. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hokkaido L.. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and Josh Hawkinson who added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks during the contest. At the losing side American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds. Hokkaido L.'s coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. SunRockers have a solid four-game winning streak. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets and Saga B. Hokkaido L. at the other side keeps the seventh position with 19 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Sunrockers Sh. will again play against Hokkaido L. (#7) in Sapporo in the next round. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Happinets (14-14) against fourth ranked Dragonflies (15-13) on Saturday night. Visiting Happinets were defeated by Dragonflies in Hiroshima 82-68. The winners were led by Dwayne Evans who scored that evening 21 points and 5 rebounds. Even 19 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) by Tanner Leissner did not help to save the game for Akita NH. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dragonflies have a solid four-game winning streak. Hiroshima D. maintains fourth position with 15-13 record which they share with defeated Akita NH. Loser Happinets dropped to the fourth place with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Other games in round 28 were not that significant. Kawasaki was beaten by Alvark Tokyo on the road 94-79. Nagoya DD lost to San-en NP on its own court 79-92. Shimane SM unfortunately lost to Gunma CT in a road game 83-90. Kyoto H. recorded a loss to Chiba Jets at home 83-99. Ibaraki R. was defeated by Sea Horses M. on the opponent's court 93-86. Tochigi Brex beat Osaka E. in a home game 98-82. Shinshu won against Nagasaki on the road 79-73. Sendai 89ers unfortunately lost to Saga B. on its own court 67-77. Yokohama BC managed to beat Toyama G. in a road game 100-95. Hiroshima D. defeated Akita NH at home 81-74.
The most impressive performance of 28th round was 18 points and 10 rebounds by Kerry Blackshear Jr of Hiroshima D..



Hiroshima D. - Akita NH 82-68

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Happinets (14-14) against fourth ranked Dragonflies (15-13) on Saturday night. Visiting Happinets were defeated by Dragonflies in Hiroshima 82-68. Hiroshima D. dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Happinets's 24. The winners were led by American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored that evening 21 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 19 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) by American Tanner Leissner (201-1995, college: UNH) did not help to save the game for Akita NH. Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) added 11 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dragonflies have a solid four-game winning streak. Hiroshima D. maintains fourth position with 15-13 record which they share with defeated Akita NH. Loser Happinets dropped to the fourth place with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 21+5reb+1ast, N.Mayo 14+6reb+4ast, K.Toshiki 11+2ast, S.Funyu 8+2reb, T.Ryo 8+3reb+2ast, N.Takuto 7+2reb+4ast
Akita NH: T.Leissner 19+7reb+2ast, J.Carter 11+9reb, K.Ko 7+2reb+4ast, T.Furukawa 7+3reb+2ast, S.Taguchi 6+1reb+1ast, S.Zack 6+8reb

Alvark Tokyo - Kawasaki BT 94-79

The game between closely ranked teams ended with first ranked Alvark Tokyo's (23-4) home victory over their biggest opponent Brave Thunders (17-10) 94-79 on Saturday. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Kawasaki 39-23 including 16 on the offensive glass. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 28 points and 11 rebounds and Brazilian Leonardo Meindl (201-1993) supported him with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Even 28 points and 9 rebounds by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-1991, college: Canisius, agency: Octagon Europe) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Alvark Tokyo have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-4 record, which they share with San-en NP. Loser Brave Thunders dropped to the third place with ten games lost. Alvark Tokyo will meet at home Kawasaki (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kawasaki will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 28+11reb+3ast, L.Meindl 20+6reb+1ast, O.Taiki 13+2reb+3ast, A.Gudaitis 12+9reb, K.Toews 9+2reb+3ast, Y.Hirotaka 3+1reb
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 28+9reb+2ast, Y.Fujii 15+2reb+2ast, J.Heath 12+8reb+2ast, T.Wimbush 10+3reb+1ast, N.Fazekas 5+1reb, R.Shinoyama 3+7ast

Nagoya DD - San-en NP 79-92

Rather expected game when 3rd ranked Dolphins (16-13) lost to first ranked San-en NP (23-4) in Nagoya 79-92 on Saturday. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-1996) who scored that evening 25 points and 4 assists (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) supported him with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Five San-en NP players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 22 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists by American forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) did not help to save the game for Nagoya DD. His fellow American import power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) added 11 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. San-en NP have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-4 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Nagoya DD lost third consecutive game. They keep the third 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. Nagoya DD will play again against the league's leader San-en NP and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: F.Ravena 25+1reb+4ast, D.Dudzinski 14+10reb+2ast, H.Kazuki 11+5reb+1ast, O.Sota 11+4reb+6ast, Y.Maten 11+6reb, C.Clarke 10+3reb+8ast
Nagoya DD: R.Franks 22+14reb+4ast, S.Eatherton 11+11reb, J.Smith 11+10reb, T.Saito 9+6ast, Y.Suda 6+2reb+1ast, P.Ray 6+1reb

Gunma CT - Shimane SM 90-83

There was a surprise result when sixth ranked Thunders (12-15) won against much higher ranked Magic (16-11) in Gunma 90-83 on Saturday. Gunma CT made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Shimane SM's players. The winners were led by the former international guard Koh Flippin (188-1996, college: Doane) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 assists and naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) supported him with 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field). Five Thunders players scored in double figures. Thunders' coach Kota Mizuno used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Even 30 points (made all of his eight free throws) by the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) did not help to save the game for Shimane SM. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) added 15 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for lost side. Gunma CT moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Magic keeps the second position with 11 games lost. Gunma CT will meet at home league's second-placed Shimane SM in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shimane SM will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: B.Bentil 22+5reb+1ast, M.Parker 20+7reb+1ast, K.Flippin 17+3reb+10ast, K.Tarczewski 15+6reb+1ast, T.McKinney-Jones 10+3reb+5ast, A.Hachimura 4+2reb+1ast
Shimane SM: S.Ando 30+4reb+2ast, P.Buford 15+11reb+7ast, N.Kay 11+6reb+5ast, K.Hareyama 9+3reb, N.Williams 6+1reb, T.Shota 5

Kyoto H. - Chiba Jets 83-99

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Kyoto H. (8-19) lost at home to fourth ranked Jets (14-13) 99-83 on Saturday. Chiba Jets shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 53.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) who scored that evening 19 points and 7 assists and American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds by American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. Canadian-Filipino guard Matthew Wright (193-1991, college: St.Bonaventure) added 17 points and 7 assists for lost side. Five Chiba Jets and four Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba Jets moved-up to third place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. and Saga B. Loser Kyoto H. dropped to the seventh position with 19 games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Chiba Jets will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kyoto H. will play against Chiba Jets (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 19+1reb+7ast, J.Mooney 18+8reb, K.Ren 14+1reb+3ast, D.Stephens 14+5reb+1ast, X.Cooks 10+9reb+6ast, F.Nishimura 9+1ast
Kyoto H.: K.Jones 17+11reb+2ast, M.Wright 17+1reb+7ast, C.Diallo 13+6reb+1ast, S.Reon 13+3reb+3ast, R.Aoki 6, C.Jackson 5+2reb+3ast

Sea Horses M. - Ibaraki R. 93-86

Everything went according to plan when second ranked SeaHorses (18-9) defeated 8th ranked Robots (2-25) in Kariya 93-86 on Saturday. Sea Horses M. made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 24 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists (made all of his seven free throws) and forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) supported him with 29 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 14 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists by forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. Forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) added 20 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Five Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Sea Horses M. maintains second position with 18-9 record having five points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Loser Robots keeps the eighth place with 25 games lost. Sea Horses M. will meet at home Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Ibaraki R. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: J.Layman 29+5reb+1ast, D.Gardner 24+18reb+6ast, Y.Nishida 11+2reb+4ast, K.Yoshiaki 9+1reb+3ast, K.Ishii 8+2reb, Z.Auguste 8+10reb+2ast
Ibaraki R.: T.Kennedy 20+7reb+2ast, A.Hirao 16+3reb+2ast, A.Brandt 15+8reb+2ast, C.Tapscott 14+13reb+7ast, J.O'Bryant III 10+5reb+2ast, M.Reita 6+2reb+1ast

Tochigi Brex - Osaka E. 98-82

There was no surprise when 7th ranked Osaka E. (12-15) lost on the road to second ranked Tochigi Brex (21-6) 98-82 on Saturday. Tochigi Brex looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by the former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) who scored that evening 19 points and 8 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) supported him with 18 points and 7 assists. Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. Even 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of his seven free throws) by Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Osaka E.. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 21-6 record having just two points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Osaka E. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will again meet at home Osaka E. (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Osaka E. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: M.Hiejima 19+4reb+8ast, D.Newbill 18+3reb+7ast, S.Ikaruga 17+1reb+3ast, I.Fotu 16+3reb+3ast, Y.Endo 13+1ast, G.Jerrett 9+7reb+3ast
Osaka E.: A.Caloiaro 23+9reb+5ast, K.Makoto 20+1reb+1ast, S.Long 14+7reb+5ast, J.Takeuchi 8+2reb, T.Suzuki 6+1reb+4ast, R.Goda 3

FE Nagoya - Ryukyu GK 68-57

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Golden Kings (19-8) in Nagoya on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by fourth ranked Fighting Eagles (14-11) 68-57. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. The other American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) contributed with 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds and the former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Ryukyu. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains fourth position with 14-11 record. Defending champion Ryukyu still keeps top place with eight games lost. FE Nagoya are looking forward to face league's leader Ryukyu in Okinawa in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Ryukyu will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: T.Sasayama 19+2reb, A.Henry 14+8reb+6ast, S.O'Mara 13+9reb+2ast, J.Jones 9+8reb+3ast, L.Evans 5+4reb+1ast, H.Kawashima 4+4reb+5ast
Ryukyu GK: J.Cooley 16+13reb+1ast, A.Durham 11+6reb, K.Imamura 11+8reb+4ast, V.Law 9+7reb+2ast, M.Yoshiyuki 7+2reb, R.Kishimoto 3+2ast

Nagasaki - Shinshu BW 73-79

There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Brave Warriors (5-22) beat on the road 5th ranked Nagasaki (13-14) 79-73 on Saturday. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored that evening 10 points and 6 rebounds and Filipino guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (181-1999) supported him with 13 points. Brave Warriors' coach used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) did not help to save the game for Nagasaki. His fellow American import power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) added 15 points and 12 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shinshu maintains seventh position with 5-22 record. Nagasaki lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the sixth place with 14 games lost. Shinshu will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Nagasaki will play against Shinshu (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: E.Kojima-Donley 13+2reb+3ast, A.Rhon Jhay 13+3reb+3ast, H.Kyosuke 12+4reb+2ast, J.Mutts 10+6reb+3ast, D.Thompson 8+6reb+1ast, K.Ishikawa 6+1reb+2ast
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 20+12reb, N.Perkins 15+12reb+1ast, Y.Baba 14+3reb+4ast, J.Brantley 11+8reb+5ast, K.Matsumoto 9+1reb, M.Karimata 2+1reb+3ast

Sendai 89ers - Saga B. 67-77

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 5th ranked 89ers (12-15) lost to sixth ranked Ballooners (14-13) in Sendai 67-77 on Saturday. The winners were led by Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) who scored that evening 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) supported him with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. Even 14 points and 9 rebounds by American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. Guard Ryo Abe (184-1995) added 17 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. 89ers' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Saga B. moved-up to third place, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. and Chiba Jets. Loser 89ers keep the fifth position with 15 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. Sendai 89ers will play against Saga B. (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 22+6reb+6ast, S.Taiki 19+5reb+1ast, C.Fieler 18+6reb+6ast, J.Harrellson 12+11reb+2ast, K.Daichi 6, I.Ryota 0
Sendai 89ers: R.Abe 17+6reb+3ast, N.Boothe 14+9reb+3ast, V.Gerun 11+12reb+2ast, Y.Aoki 8+2reb+2ast, M.Kataoka 6+3ast, W.Ryu 5+1reb

Sunrockers Sh. - Hokkaido L. 74-73

Seventh-ranked Hokkaido L. (8-19) was very close to win a game against fifth ranked SunRockers (14-13) in Tokyo. SunRockers managed to secure only one-point victory 74-73. However their fans expected easier game. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hokkaido L.. SunRockers brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and the former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks during the contest. At the losing side American center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 16 rebounds and his fellow American import center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds. Hokkaido L.'s coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. SunRockers have a solid four-game winning streak. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to third place, which they share with Chiba Jets and Saga B. Hokkaido L. at the other side keeps the seventh position with 19 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Sunrockers Sh. will again play against Hokkaido L. (#7) in Sapporo in the next round. Hokkaido L. will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: A.Clemmons 18+3reb+3ast, J.Hawkinson 15+5reb+1ast, R.Kelly 13+7reb+1ast, D.Tanaka 9+2reb+1ast, L.Vendrame 9+4reb+2ast, K.Tsuya 8+2reb
Hokkaido L.: T.Welsh 22+16reb+3ast, D.Willis 20+12reb+1ast, S.Terazono 20+5ast, D.Ramos 8+2reb+2ast, K.Sekino 3+2reb, S.Ren 0+2reb+2ast

Toyama G. - Yokohama BC 95-100

Rather predictable result when sixth ranked B-Corsairs (12-15) won against 8th ranked Grouses (3-24) in Toyama 100-95 on Saturday. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Toyama G.'s players. The winners were led by international guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 25 points and 20 assists and the former international forward Yusei Sugiura (196-1995) supported him with 23 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Even a double-double of 27 points and 15 rebounds by Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) did not help to save the game for Toyama G.. American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) added 22 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for lost side. Four Toyama G. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Yokohama BC moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Toyama G. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 24 games lost. Yokohama BC will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Toyama G. will play against Yokohama BC (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 25+1reb+20ast, Y.Sugiura 23+1reb+1ast, D.Oliver 13+8reb+4ast, J.Uthoff 9+6reb, K.Sotto 9+5reb, S.Koya 8+1reb
Toyama G.: I.Buva 27+15reb+2ast, N.Gadson 22+9reb+6ast, Q.Miller-Scott 17+8reb+1ast, N.Uto 11+1reb+2ast, T.Murphy Jr. 9+4reb+1ast, U.Shunsuke 4

Hiroshima D. - Akita NH 81-74

Everything could happen in Hiroshima at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Dragonflies and one of their biggest challengers Happinets had identical 14-13 record. This time Dragonflies used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Akita 81-74 on Friday night. The winners were led by American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Even 9 points and 12 rebounds by American center Steve Zack (211-1992, college: La Salle) did not help to save the game for Akita NH. The former international swingman Takatoshi Furukawa (190-1987) added 22 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dragonflies have a solid four-game winning streak. Hiroshima D. maintains fourth position with 15-13 record which they share with defeated Akita NH. Loser Happinets dropped to the fourth place with 14 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 22+5reb+1ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 18+10reb+2ast, T.Ryo 15+3reb+4ast, K.Toshiki 9+1reb+1ast, N.Mayo 7+3reb+2ast, T.Nephawe 6+7reb
Akita NH: T.Furukawa 22+1reb, T.Leissner 12+3reb+1ast, S.Zack 9+12reb+2ast, H.Noboru 9, K.Ko 6+12ast, S.Taguchi 5+3reb+2ast