B1 League Round 34 (Regular Season): Alvark Tokyo beat Osaka E. by two after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Seventh-ranked Osaka E. (13-20) was very close to win a game against first ranked Alvark Tokyo (29-4) on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo managed to secure only two-point victory 83-81. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) contributed with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for Osaka E.Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Alvark Tokyo have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-4 record, which they share with San-en NP. Osaka E. lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. Alvark Tokyo is looking forward to face Chiba Jets (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Osaka E. will play against Nagoya DD (#3) and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
An interesting game for Tochigi Brex (26-7) which hosted in Tochigi 4th ranked Ballooners (18-15). Second ranked Tochigi Brex managed to get a 14-point victory 76-62. American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and DJ Newbill chipped in 17 points and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) responded with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 26-7 record having just three points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Newly promoted Saga B. keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Hiroshima D.. Tochigi Brex will play against Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round. Saga B. will play against the league's leader Ryukyu and hopes to get back on the winning track.
B1 League top team - San-en NP (29-4) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed sixth ranked Nagasaki (14-19) 103-68. Sota Oura notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 assists to lead the effort. Even 16 points and 9 rebounds by Matt Bonds did not help to save the game for Nagasaki. 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 have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-4 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Nagasaki lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Sendai 89ers and Yokohama BC. San-en NP will meet Shinshu (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Nagasaki will play against Hiroshima D. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 34 were not that significant. Sendai 89ers were beaten by Nagoya DD on the road 82-73. Gunma CT lost to Sea Horses M. on its own court 81-87. Shinshu was outscored by Hokkaido L. in Sapporo 56-90. Ibaraki R. was rolled over Hiroshima D. at home 74-95. Sunrockers Sh. was defeated by FE Nagoya on the opponent's court 80-67. Ryukyu beat Kyoto H. in a home game 86-81. Chiba Jets won against Toyama G. on the road 91-73. Yokohama BC was outscored by Shimane SM on its own court 73-94.
The most impressive performance of 34th round was 27 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists by Perrin Buford of Shimane SM.



Alvark Tokyo - Osaka E. 83-81

Seventh-ranked Osaka E. (13-20) was very close to win a game against first ranked Alvark Tokyo (29-4) on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo managed to secure only two-point victory 83-81. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) contributed with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international Takuya Hashimoto (188-1994) added 21 points in the effort for Osaka E.Five Alvark Tokyo and four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Alvark Tokyo have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-4 record, which they share with San-en NP. Osaka E. lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 20 games lost. Alvark Tokyo is looking forward to face Chiba Jets (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Osaka E. will play against Nagoya DD (#3) and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: T.Hashimoto 21+2reb+1ast, I.Hummer 16+4reb+1ast, A.Caloiaro 15+10reb+4ast, S.Long 13+2reb+3ast, T.Suzuki 5+1reb+5ast, K.Makoto 5+2ast
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 17+9reb+1ast, S.Ando 15+3reb+2ast, K.Toews 13+2reb+5ast, L.Meindl 12+6reb+2ast, R.Rossiter 11+8reb+4ast, A.Gudaitis 7+2reb+1ast

Nagoya DD - Sendai 89ers 82-73

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Dolphins (20-15) beat 6th ranked 89ers (14-19) in Nagoya 82-73 on Sunday. Nagoya DD shot 18 for 24 from the free-throw line, while Sendai 89ers only scored two points from the stripe. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) notched 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and the other American import forward Robert Franks (201-1996, college: WSU) supported him with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 17 points and 8 rebounds by American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. Ukrainian center Volodymyr Gerun (208-1994, college: Portland) added 14 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. 89ers' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Dolphins have a solid three-game winning streak. Nagoya DD maintains third position with 20-15 record having seven points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Sendai 89ers at the other side keep the sixth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Yokohama BC and Nagasaki. Nagoya DD will meet at home Osaka E. (#7) in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against the league's second-placed Tochigi Brex and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: N.Boothe 17+8reb+2ast, V.Gerun 14+9reb+1ast, R.Abe 14+4reb+5ast, W.Ryu 11+4reb, W.Shota 6+1ast, M.Kataoka 6+1reb+2ast
Nagoya DD: S.Eatherton 24+7reb+4ast, R.Franks 17+9reb+4ast, T.Saito 16+4reb+4ast, T.Sato 10+3reb+1ast, Y.Suda 5+2reb+1ast, P.Ray 5+4reb+6ast

Gunma CT - Sea Horses M. 81-87

Rather expected game when 5th ranked Thunders (15-18) lost to second ranked SeaHorses (22-11) in Gunma 81-87 on Sunday. American forward Jake Layman (206-1994, college: Maryland) notched a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) supported him with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Even 21 points and 8 assists by American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) did not help to save the game for Gunma CT. Naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) added 15 points and 14 rebounds for lost side. Four Gunma CT players scored in double figures. Sea Horses M. maintains second position with 22-11 record having seven points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Gunma CT at the other side keeps the fifth place with 18 games lost. Sea Horses M. will meet Yokohama BC (#6) on the road in the next round. Gunma CT will play against Hokkaido L. in Sapporo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 21+4reb+8ast, B.Bentil 17+1ast, M.Parker 15+14reb+1ast, K.Flippin 10+2reb+1ast, K.Tarczewski 10+10reb, N.Tsuji 6+1reb+1ast
Sea Horses M.: J.Layman 22+10reb+1ast, D.Gardner 18+5reb+3ast, Y.Nishida 17+2reb+4ast, K.Ishii 8+1reb, D.Lee 8+2reb+2ast, Z.Auguste 6+8reb+3ast

Hokkaido L. - Shinshu BW 90-56

There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Hokkaido L. (10-23) rolled over their close opponent Brave Warriors (6-27) in Sapporo 90-56 on Sunday. American center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) notched 31 points and 6 rebounds to lead the effort and Filipino guard Dwight Ramos (193-1998, college: CPP) supported him with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Four Hokkaido L. players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Shinshu. American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) added 12 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Hokkaido L. maintains seventh position with 10-23 record which they share with defeated Shinshu. Shinshu at the other side keeps the seventh place with 27 games lost. Hokkaido L. will meet at home higher ranked Gunma CT (#5) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shinshu will play against the league's leader San-en NP having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: J.Mutts 21+6reb, D.Thompson 12+8reb+1ast, E.Kojima-Donley 6+2reb+3ast, A.Brandt 6+2reb, A.Rhon Jhay 5+1reb+1ast, H.Kyosuke 4+2reb+1ast
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 31+6reb+1ast, D.Ramos 18+8reb+2ast, D.Brooks 13+5reb+5ast, M.Yuta 11+1reb+1ast, S.Terazono 4+2ast, T.Welsh 4+3reb

Ibaraki R. - Hiroshima D. 74-95

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Robots (3-30) were outscored by fifth ranked Dragonflies (18-15) in Mito 95-74 on Sunday. Hiroshima D. made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Hiroshima D. outrebounded Ibaraki R. 41-27 including 31 on the defensive glass. American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) notched 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Even 10 points and 6 assists by point guard Kohei Nakamura (181-1996) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. Guard Atsunobu Hirao (178-1989) added 15 points for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dragonflies have a solid three-game winning streak. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Saga B. Ibaraki R. at the other side keeps the eighth position with 30 games lost. Hiroshima D. will meet at home Nagasaki (#6) in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Akita NH and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: A.Hirao 15+2reb+1ast, T.Kennedy 12+4reb, N.Kohei 10+4reb+6ast, J.O'Bryant III 10+6reb, C.Tapscott 9+4reb+4ast, T.Keita 8+2reb+2ast
Hiroshima D.: N.Mayo 24+6reb+2ast, D.Evans 24+8reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 15+12reb+3ast, T.Ryo 10+3reb+3ast, R.Yamazaki 6+1reb+2ast, N.Takuto 5+1reb+3ast

Nagasaki - San-en NP 68-103

B1 League top team - San-en NP (29-4) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed sixth ranked Nagasaki (14-19) 103-68. San-en NP forced 19 Nagasaki turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Nagasaki's players. Point guard Sota Oura (182-1997) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 assists to lead the effort and Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-1996) supported him with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Five San-en NP players scored in double figures. Even 16 points and 9 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 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. 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 have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 29-4 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Nagasaki lost fifth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Sendai 89ers and Yokohama BC. San-en NP will meet Shinshu (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Nagasaki will play against Hiroshima D. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 16+9reb+2ast, N.Perkins 13+7reb+5ast, Y.Baba 11+4reb+2ast, K.Matsumoto 7+3reb, K.Koya 6+4ast, K.Yu 5+5reb
San-en NP: O.Sota 21+3reb+11ast, Y.Maten 18+7reb+2ast, F.Ravena 15+8reb+5ast, C.Clarke 14+8reb+2ast, K.Kanamaru 12+2reb+2ast, M.Yamauchi 6+3reb+7ast

FE Nagoya - Sunrockers Sh. 80-67

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Fighting Eagles (14-16) defeated one of their biggest challengers SunRockers (18-14) in Nagoya 80-67 on Sunday. FE Nagoya dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to SunRockers's 22. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) notched 30 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 13-of-15 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and the former international Luke Evans (203-1991, college: CBU) supported him with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Fighting Eagles' coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 11 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists by American Ryan Kelly (211-1991, college: Duke) did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) added 17 points for lost side. Four Sunrockers Sh. players scored in double figures. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains fifth position with 14-16 record. Sunrockers Sh. at the other side keeps the fourth place with 14 games lost. FE Nagoya will meet higher ranked Kawasaki (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sunrockers Sh. will play against Toyama G. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: A.Clemmons 17+2reb+3ast, L.Vendrame 15+2reb+2ast, R.Kelly 11+9reb+5ast, J.Gibbs 10+4reb+2ast, A.Chambers 7, K.Tsuya 3+1ast
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 30+6reb+7ast, L.Evans 15+5reb+3ast, S.O'Mara 11+8reb+2ast, S.Ryo 8+2reb+1ast, N.Hiromu 7+2reb+2ast, J.Jones 4+3reb+2ast

Ryukyu GK - Kyoto H. 86-81

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Kyoto H. (10-22) lost to first ranked Golden Kings (21-11) in Okinawa 81-86 on Sunday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 rebounds to lead the effort and the former international guard Ryuichi Kishimoto (176-1990) supported him with 17 points and 7 assists. Five Golden Kings players scored in double figures. Even 22 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists by Canadian-Filipino guard Matthew Wright (193-1991, college: St.Bonaventure) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. Mali power forward Cheick Diallo (206-1996, college: Kansas) added 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains first position with 21-11 record. Kyoto H. at the other side keeps the eighth place with 22 games lost. Ryukyu will meet Saga B. (#5) on the road in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against the league's second-placed Shimane SM and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: M.Wright 22+9reb+8ast, C.Diallo 18+10reb+3ast, K.Jones 13+6reb+1ast, O.Yuta 9+5reb+8ast, C.Jackson 8+2reb+1ast, R.Aoki 6
Ryukyu GK: M.Yoshiyuki 23+2reb, R.Kishimoto 17+2reb+7ast, J.Cooley 17+18reb+1ast, A.Durham 11+7reb+3ast, K.Imamura 11+7reb+4ast, W.Hugh 3+3reb

Toyama G. - Chiba Jets 73-91

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Jets (20-13) beat 8th ranked Grouses (4-29) in Toyama 91-73 on Sunday. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the effort and the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) supported him with 15 points and 6 assists. Even a double-double of 22 points and 11 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 6 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists 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. Jets have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 20-13 record having nine points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Toyama G. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 29 games lost. Chiba Jets will meet at home league's leader Alvark Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Toyama G. will play against Sunrockers Sh. (#4) in Tokyo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Toyama G.: I.Buva 22+11reb+2ast, Q.Miller-Scott 16+1reb, T.Murphy Jr. 12+1reb+3ast, R.Ono 10+3reb+2ast, N.Gadson 6+6reb+10ast, H.Hiroki 3
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 21+11reb+7ast, D.Stephens 15+6reb, Y.Togashi 15+1reb+6ast, I.Brown 14+3reb+1ast, S.Hara 9+1reb+3ast, K.Ren 7

Tochigi Brex - Saga B. 76-62

An interesting game for Tochigi Brex (26-7) which hosted in Tochigi 4th ranked Ballooners (18-15). Second ranked Tochigi Brex managed to get a 14-point victory 76-62. Tochigi Brex outrebounded Saga B. 42-29 including 28 on the defensive glass. American center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) chipped in 17 points and 6 assists during the contest. Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. At the losing side Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) responded with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) scored 14 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tochigi Brex have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 26-7 record having just three points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Newly promoted Saga B. keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Hiroshima D.. Tochigi Brex will play against Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round. Saga B. will play against the league's leader Ryukyu and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 15+6reb+5ast, C.Fieler 14+6reb+2ast, Y.Mitsuhara 12+5reb, S.Taiki 7+2reb+3ast, Y.Childs 5+7reb+1ast, I.Ryota 5+1reb
Tochigi Brex: Y.Endo 21+2reb+1ast, D.Newbill 17+3reb+6ast, M.Hiejima 16+5reb+5ast, G.Jerrett 14+15reb+3ast, S.Ikaruga 5+2reb, T.Shinji 3+2reb

Yokohama BC - Shimane SM 73-94

Very expected game when 6th ranked B-Corsairs (14-19) were smashed by second ranked Magic (21-12) in Yokohama 94-73 on Sunday. Shimane SM made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the effort and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) supported him with 18 points and 10 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Even a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Jarrod Uthoff (206-1993, college: Iowa) did not help to save the game for Yokohama BC. His fellow American import power forward Josh Scott (210-1993, college: Colorado, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for lost side. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Shimane SM maintains second position with 21-12 record having eight points less than leader Ryukyu GK. Yokohama BC at the other side keeps the sixth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Sendai 89ers and Nagasaki. Shimane SM will meet at home Kyoto H. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Yokohama BC will play against the league's second-placed Sea Horses M. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Yuki 14+1reb+5ast, J.Scott 14+7reb, J.Uthoff 12+10reb+1ast, K.Sotto 9+2reb+1ast, K.King 8+2reb+1ast, D.Oliver 6+6reb+4ast
Shimane SM: P.Buford 27+10reb+9ast, T.Shota 19+1reb+1ast, N.Kay 18+10reb+3ast, S.Ando 9+3reb+4ast, R.Shirahama 8+2reb, H.Martin 7+9reb