B1 League Round 29 (Regular Season): Toyama G. defeat Yokohama BC in the closest game of the week

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 29 in the B1 League took place in Toyama. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked B-Corsairs (12-16) to eighth ranked Grouses (4-24) 70-68 on Sunday evening. Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) stepped up and scored 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. International guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) responded with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Toyama G. maintains eighth place with 4-24 record. Yokohama BC at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 16 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Toyama G. are looking forward to face league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yokohama BC will play on the road against Shinshu (#7) in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Tokyo. First ranked host Alvark Tokyo (24-4) smashed 3rd placed Brave Thunders (17-11) 99-76. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) nailed a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and Leonardo Meindl accounted for 19 points. Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with 18 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Kawasaki in the defeat. 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 a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 24-4 record, which they share with San-en NP. Kawasaki at the other side dropped to the second position with 11 games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Alvark Tokyo will play against Sendai 89ers (#5) at home in the next round. Kawasaki will play against Sunrockers Sh. in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagoya. 3rd placed host Dolphins (16-14) lost to first ranked San-en NP (24-4) 80-74. The best player for the winners was Yante Maten who scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Scott Eatherton produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts. Dolphins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. San-en NP have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 24-4 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Nagoya DD lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third position with 14 games lost. San-en NP will meet at home Toyama G. (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nagoya DD will play against the league's leader Ryukyu (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 29: Chiba Jets won against Kyoto H. on the opponent's court 83-76. Nagasaki outscored Shinshu in a home game 92-64. Saga B. managed to beat Sendai 89ers on the road 66-56. Sunrockers Sh. crushed Hokkaido L. on its own court 92-61. Ibaraki R. was smashed by Sea Horses M. in Kariya 87-65. Tochigi Brex destroyed Osaka E. at home 81-53. Ryukyu outscored FE Nagoya on the opponent's court 88-65. Gunma CT recorded a loss to Shimane SM in a home game 84-96.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 29 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists by Perrin Buford of Shimane SM.



Toyama G. - Yokohama BC 70-68

The most exciting game of round 29 in the B1 League took place in Toyama. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked B-Corsairs (12-16) to eighth ranked Grouses (4-24) 70-68 on Sunday evening. Croatian power forward Ivan Buva (207-1991) stepped up and scored 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners and American forward Novar Gadson (201-1989, college: Rider) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Grouses players scored in double figures. International guard Yuki Kawamura (172-2001) responded with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Toyama G. maintains eighth place with 4-24 record. Yokohama BC at the other side dropped to the fifth position with 16 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Toyama G. are looking forward to face league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yokohama BC will play on the road against Shinshu (#7) in Nagano and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 19+5reb+5ast, D.Oliver 13+5reb+3ast, J.Uthoff 12+5reb, K.King 8+3reb+1ast, K.Sotto 6+4reb, J.Scott 4+11reb+3ast
Toyama G.: I.Buva 16+7reb+1ast, T.Murphy Jr. 15+4reb, N.Gadson 13+5reb+5ast, T.Ito 10+3reb+2ast, Q.Miller-Scott 8+6reb+2ast, N.Uto 5+1reb+2ast

Kyoto H. - Chiba Jets 76-83

Very expected game when 8th ranked Kyoto H. (8-20) was defeated at home by third ranked Jets (15-13) 83-76 on Sunday. 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 16 points and 13 rebounds. Australian forward Xavier Cooks (203-1995, college: Winthrop) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) produced 21 points, 7 assists and 5 steals and American forward Kevin Jones (203-1989, college: WVU) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Four Chiba Jets and five Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Chiba Jets maintains third place with 15-13 record having nine points less than leader Ryukyu GK, which they share with 3 other teams. Kyoto H. lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 20 games lost. They share it with Hokkaido L.. Chiba Jets will meet at home Akita NH (#4) in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against Nagasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: O.Yuta 21+7ast, M.Wright 13+5reb+4ast, K.Jones 11+9reb+2ast, C.Diallo 10+9reb, C.Jackson 10+10reb+1ast, K.Seiya 8+7reb+2ast
Chiba Jets: Y.Togashi 19+1reb+4ast, J.Mooney 16+13reb+2ast, K.Ren 15+1reb, X.Cooks 12+12reb+4ast, O.Asato 9+3reb+2ast, D.Stephens 7+5reb

Nagasaki - Shinshu BW 92-64

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Nagasaki's (14-14) home victory over 7th ranked Brave Warriors (5-23) 92-64 on Sunday. Nagasaki dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Brave Warriors's 24. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was international Yudai Baba (196-1995) who scored 21 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds and the former international forward Eliet Kojima-Donley (198-1996, college: Chaminade) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Nagasaki moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH. Loser Brave Warriors keeps the seventh position with 23 games lost. Nagasaki will meet at home Kyoto H. (#8) in the next round. Shinshu will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: D.Thompson 18+13reb+2ast, A.Rhon Jhay 11+3reb+3ast, E.Kojima-Donley 10+6reb+3ast, K.Mitsui 9+1reb, H.Kyosuke 7, K.Ishikawa 5+2ast
Nagasaki: Y.Baba 21+6reb+2ast, M.Bonds 17+7reb+5ast, N.Perkins 17+6reb+3ast, J.Brantley 12+6reb+4ast, K.Matsumoto 8+1reb+1ast, K.Koya 5+2reb+2ast

Sendai 89ers - Saga B. 56-66

There was a minor upset in Sendai where their close opponent 89ers (12-16) were defeated by fifth ranked Ballooners (15-13) 66-56 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was point guard Taiki Sumida (182-1999) who scored 30 points. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) chipped in 15 points and 5 assists. Guard Ryo Abe (184-1995) produced 15 points and 5 assists and American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the hosts. 89ers' coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Saga B. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser 89ers keep the fifth position with 16 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Saga B. will meet Osaka E. (#7) on the road in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against the league's leader Alvark Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: R.Abe 15+4reb+5ast, N.Boothe 11+9reb+2ast, M.Kataoka 11+2reb, W.Ryu 7, Y.Aoki 6+1ast, V.Gerun 4+13reb+5ast
Saga B.: S.Taiki 30+3reb+1ast, R.Garcia 15+3reb+5ast, J.Harrellson 7+8reb, C.Fieler 6+11reb+6ast, I.Ryota 5+1reb+2ast, K.Daichi 3+2reb

Sunrockers Sh. - Hokkaido L. 92-61

Everything went according to plan in Tokyo where fifth ranked SunRockers (15-13) outscored 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (8-20) 92-61 on Sunday. Sunrockers Sh. shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 55.2 percentage. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) who scored 24 points. American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) chipped in 19 points and 5 steals. American center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) produced a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. SunRockers have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the seventh position with 20 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Sunrockers Sh. will meet at home Kawasaki (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Hokkaido L. will play against Ibaraki R. (#8) in Mito and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 21+10reb+1ast, T.Welsh 14+10reb+1ast, S.Terazono 10+2reb+3ast, K.Sekino 6+1reb, D.Brooks 4+3reb, R.Sakurai 2
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 24+3reb+2ast, A.Clemmons 19+2reb+3ast, R.Kelly 18+5reb+1ast, A.Chambers 8+1reb+1ast, L.Vendrame 8+3reb+3ast, J.Gibbs 7+8reb+1ast

Alvark Tokyo - Kawasaki BT 99-76

The game between Top Four teams took place in Tokyo. First ranked host Alvark Tokyo (24-4) smashed 3rd placed Brave Thunders (17-11) 99-76. Alvark Tokyo dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Brave Thunders's 28. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Kawasaki 43-19 including a 15-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. Alvark Tokyo players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) nailed a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and Brazilian Leonardo Meindl (201-1993) accounted for 19 points. Four Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with 18 points and 9 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and the former international point guard Yuma Fujii (178-1991) added 20 points and 6 assists respectively for Kawasaki in the defeat. 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 a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 24-4 record, which they share with San-en NP. Kawasaki at the other side dropped to the second position with 11 games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Alvark Tokyo will play against Sendai 89ers (#5) at home in the next round. Kawasaki will play against Sunrockers Sh. in Tokyo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: Y.Fujii 20+2reb+6ast, R.Allen 18+9reb+3ast, T.Wimbush 14+4reb, I.Ryo 8+2reb, N.Reiya 7+1ast, Y.Kamata 4+1ast
Alvark Tokyo: L.Meindl 19+2reb+3ast, S.Ando 16+1reb+2ast, R.Rossiter 10+12reb+5ast, S.Saiz 10+7reb, K.Toews 9+2reb+5ast, O.Taiki 8+1reb+2ast

Nagoya DD - San-en NP 74-80

The game between Top Four teams took place in Nagoya. 3rd placed host Dolphins (16-14) lost to first ranked San-en NP (24-4) 80-74. San-en NP forced 21 Nagoya DD turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) who scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-1996) chipped in 13 points and 7 assists. Four San-en NP players scored in double figures. American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import center Joshua Smith (210-1992, college: Georgetown) added 13 points and 11 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Dolphins' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. San-en NP have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 24-4 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Nagoya DD lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the third position with 14 games lost. San-en NP will meet at home Toyama G. (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Nagoya DD will play against the league's leader Ryukyu (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: S.Eatherton 19+10reb+2ast, J.Smith 13+11reb+1ast, R.Franks 11+8reb+2ast, Y.Suda 8+2ast, T.Saito 5+6ast, T.Ito 5+1reb+1ast
San-en NP: Y.Maten 18+8reb+1ast, F.Ravena 13+3reb+7ast, D.Dudzinski 13+5reb, K.Kanamaru 11+4reb+2ast, C.Clarke 9+6reb+6ast, H.Kazuki 8+3reb+1ast

Sea Horses M. - Ibaraki R. 87-65

There was no surprise in Kariya where 8th ranked Robots (2-26) were outplayed by second ranked SeaHorses (19-9) 87-65 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 18 points and 7 rebounds. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) chipped in 20 points. Four SeaHorses players scored in double figures. American power forward Johnny OBryant III (207-1993, college: LSU, agency: Slash Sports) produced 16 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Thomas Kennedy (201-1987, college: Detroit) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for SeaHorses. Sea Horses M. maintains second place with 19-9 record having five points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Loser Robots keeps the eighth position with 26 games lost. Sea Horses M. will meet FE Nagoya (#5) on the road in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Hokkaido L. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: J.O'Bryant III 16+8reb, C.Tapscott 13+1reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 11+10reb+2ast, O.Keitaro 8+1reb, T.Keita 6+3reb+3ast, A.Hirao 6+1reb
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 20+4reb+1ast, Z.Auguste 18+7reb+2ast, D.Lee 13+3reb+4ast, J.Layman 11+7reb, K.Yoshiaki 8+2reb+4ast, T.Nakamura 7+2reb+3ast

Tochigi Brex - Osaka E. 81-53

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Tochigi Brex (22-6) outleveled at home 7th ranked Osaka E. (12-16) 81-53 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) who scored 21 points and 4 assists. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Tatsuya Suzuki (169-1991) added 10 points respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Tochigi Brex. They maintain second place with 22-6 record having just two points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Osaka E. lost their fourth game in a row. They dropped to the fifth position with 16 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will meet Gunma CT (#6) on the road in the next round. Osaka E. will play against Saga B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: S.Long 13+14reb+2ast, T.Suzuki 10+2reb+3ast, T.Hashimoto 10+1ast, I.Fumiya 6+2reb+1ast, J.Takeuchi 6+4reb+1ast, A.Caloiaro 5+3reb+1ast
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 21+3reb+4ast, I.Fotu 14+6reb, M.Hiejima 11+5reb+1ast, Y.Endo 8+1reb+1ast, S.Ikaruga 7+4reb+4ast, M.Wataru 5+1ast

FE Nagoya - Ryukyu GK 65-88

Very expected game in Nagoya where 5th ranked Fighting Eagles (14-12) were crushed by first ranked Golden Kings (20-8) 88-65 on Sunday. Ryukyu outrebounded FE Nagoya 41-23 including a 26-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). His fellow American import forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 8 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced 17 points and the former international Luke Evans (203-1991, college: CBU) added 8 points respectively for the hosts. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion maintains first place with 20-8 record. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the fifth position with 12 games lost. Ryukyu will meet Nagoya DD (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. FE Nagoya will play against the league's second-placed Sea Horses M. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 17+2reb+3ast, T.Sugimoto 9+1reb, L.Evans 8+3reb+3ast, J.Jones 7+3reb+4ast, H.Kawashima 7+1reb+3ast, T.Sasayama 6+1reb+2ast
Ryukyu GK: J.Cooley 18+11reb+3ast, R.Kishimoto 12+2reb+5ast, M.Yoshiyuki 12+1reb, K.Imamura 12+4reb+2ast, C.Tamayo 9+1reb, V.Law 8+12reb+1ast

Gunma CT - Shimane SM 84-96

Rather predictable result in Gunma where second ranked Magic (17-11) defeated 5th ranked Thunders (12-16) 96-84 on Sunday. Shimane SM made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Shimane SM outrebounded Gunma CT 33-22 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shimane SM shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. The best player for the winners was American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 29 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) chipped in 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) produced 17 points and 6 steals (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) added 15 points and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. Four Gunma CT players scored in double figures. Thunders' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Shimane SM maintains second place with 17-11 record having seven points less than leader Ryukyu GK, which they share with Kawasaki. Loser Thunders keeps the fifth position with 16 games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Shimane SM will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#4) in the next round. Gunma CT will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: M.Parker 17+4reb+2ast, N.Tsuji 16+1reb+1ast, T.McKinney-Jones 15+2reb+5ast, B.Bentil 14+5reb+2ast, K.Tarczewski 9+7reb+3ast, K.Flippin 8+1reb+8ast
Shimane SM: P.Buford 29+7reb+7ast, N.Kay 25+8reb+5ast, S.Ando 21+3reb+3ast, T.Shota 9+1reb+1ast, H.Martin 4+4reb, D.Taniguchi 3