B1 League Round 42 (Regular Season): Leader San-en NP loses to Ryukyu

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of San-en NP (34-7) in Hamamatsu on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by Golden Kings (29-12) 98-89. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The other American import forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 11 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Golden Kings' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) who recorded 17 points and 8 rebounds. Golden Kings have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 29-12 record which they share with defeated San-en NP. San-en NP lost third consecutive game. They still keep top place with seven games lost. They share the position with Tochigi Brex. Ryukyu are looking forward to face Kyoto H. (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. San-en NP will play against Yokohama BC (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Toyama. Eighth ranked Robots (7-34) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging their close opponent Grouses (4-37) 90-89 in the game for the eighth place. It was a good game for American Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. Chehales Tapscott contributed with 28 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. American forward Quincy Miller-Scott (206-1992, college: Baylor, agency: Slash Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds for Toyama G.Grouses' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ibaraki R. maintains eighth position with 7-34 record which they share with defeated Toyama G.. Toyama G. lost thirteenth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 37 games lost. Ibaraki R. will play against league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Toyama G. will play against Shimane SM (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Brave Thunders (22-19) against sixth ranked B-Corsairs (18-23) on Sunday night. Host Brave Thunders were defeated by B-Corsairs in Kanagawa 84-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Brave Thunders. Kai Sotto had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Nick Fazekas with 25 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Yokohama BC maintains sixth position with 18-23 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Kawasaki at the other side keeps the third place with 19 games lost. Yokohama BC will meet at home league's leader San-en NP in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kawasaki will play against Shinshu in Nagano and hope to secure a win.

Rest of the games of round 42 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Shimane SM was defeated by Alvark Tokyo in a road game 90-80. Nagoya DD beat Akita NH at home 90-74. Chiba Jets won against Hiroshima D. on the opponent's court 88-80. Hokkaido L. unfortunately lost to Saga B. in a home game 72-87. Gunma CT managed to beat Nagasaki on the road 91-78. FE Nagoya crushed Shinshu on its own court 74-50. Kyoto H. beat Sendai 89ers in a road game 77-72. Tochigi Brex won against Sunrockers Sh. at home 77-70.
The best stats of 42th round was 22 points and 13 rebounds by Isaac Fotu of Tochigi Brex.



Alvark Tokyo - Shimane SM 90-80

The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Magic's (23-18) road loss to second ranked Alvark Tokyo (33-8) 80-90 on Sunday. The former international guard Kai Toews (188-1998, college: UNCW) scored 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) chipped in 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. Five Alvark Tokyo players scored in double figures. Alvark Tokyo's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) scored 27 points. Alvark Tokyo maintains second position with 33-8 record behind leader Tochigi Brex. Shimane SM at the other side keeps the third place with 18 games lost. They share the position with Gunma CT. Alvark Tokyo will meet Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Shimane SM will play against Toyama G. (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: K.Toews 18+6reb+7ast, L.Meindl 16+4reb, R.Rossiter 14+6reb+6ast, A.Gudaitis 13+4reb+1ast, S.Saiz 12+5reb+1ast, O.Taiki 9+1reb+2ast
Shimane SM: S.Ando 27+1reb, P.Buford 26+8reb+6ast, N.Kay 10+12reb+3ast, T.Shota 8+1reb, R.Shirahama 7+2reb, E.Morris 2+3reb

Kawasaki BT - Yokohama BC 73-84

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Brave Thunders (22-19) against sixth ranked B-Corsairs (18-23) on Sunday night. Host Brave Thunders were defeated by B-Corsairs in Kanagawa 84-73. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Brave Thunders. Yokohama BC looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Four B-Corsairs players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) with 25 points and 8 rebounds and Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Yokohama BC maintains sixth position with 18-23 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Kawasaki at the other side keeps the third place with 19 games lost. Yokohama BC will meet at home league's leader San-en NP in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kawasaki will play against Shinshu in Nagano and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: K.Sotto 21+12reb+4ast, D.Oliver 18+8reb+3ast, J.Uthoff 18+7reb+3ast, K.Yuki 11+3reb+10ast, Y.Sugiura 8+2reb+1ast, S.Koya 6
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 25+8reb+1ast, R.Allen 19+11reb+4ast, Y.Fujii 16+3reb+9ast, T.Wimbush 4+1reb, N.Reiya 4+4reb+1ast, R.Shinoyama 3+1reb+4ast

Nagoya DD - Akita NH 90-74

No shocking result in a game in Nagoya where second ranked Dolphins (28-15) defeated 5th ranked Happinets (21-20) 90-74 on Sunday. Nagoya DD dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Happinets's 26. Nagoya DD looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) had a double-double by scoring 15 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American-Filipino guard Ray Parks (193-1993, agency: Slash Sports) chipped in 22 points and 4 steals (perfect from downtown making all six shots !!!) during the contest. The best for the losing side was American Tanner Leissner (201-1995, college: UNH) with 12 points and 6 rebounds and Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) scored 11 points. Four Akita NH players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Dolphins have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Nagoya DD maintains second position with 28-15 record having four points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Loser Happinets dropped to the fourth place with 20 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Nagoya DD will meet Nagasaki (#6) on the road in the next round. Akita NH will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: P.Ray 22+1reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 15+15reb+6ast, T.Nakahigashi 14+5reb+1ast, Y.Suda 8+1reb+1ast, T.Saito 8+1reb+8ast, J.Smith 7+4reb+1ast
Akita NH: S.Taguchi 14, T.Leissner 12+6reb+2ast, J.Carter 11+4reb+1ast, T.Furukawa 10+2reb+1ast, S.Zack 7+6reb+1ast, H.Noboru 7+2reb+1ast

Hiroshima D. - Chiba Jets 80-88

The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Dragonflies' (21-20) home loss to third ranked Jets (27-14) 80-88 on Sunday. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and guard Christopher Smith (193-1994, college: Utah St.) chipped in 23 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) scored 15 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 27-14 record having seven points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Loser Dragonflies keeps the fourth place with 20 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Chiba Jets will meet at home Gunma CT (#4) in the next round. Hiroshima D. will play against Saga B. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Chiba Jets: C.Smith 23+3reb+1ast, J.Mooney 18+11reb+2ast, K.Ren 13+3reb, O.Asato 12+1ast, I.Brown 12+9reb+2ast, Y.Togashi 5+1reb+10ast
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 17+11reb+2ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 15+9reb+6ast, T.Nephawe 11+5reb, N.Takuto 10+3reb+5ast, N.Mayo 9+5reb+3ast, R.Yamazaki 7+1reb

Hokkaido L. - Saga B. 72-87

Rather predictable result in Sapporo where fifth ranked Ballooners (21-20) beat 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (12-29) 87-72 on Sunday. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) scored 31 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) chipped in 19 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists during the contest. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American-Cypriot center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 14 rebounds and American DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Saga B. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Hokkaido L. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 29 games lost. Saga B. will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#4) in the next round. Hokkaido L. will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: R.Garcia 31+8reb+4ast, Y.Childs 19+10reb+8ast, J.Harrellson 12+11reb+2ast, S.Taiki 12+3reb+1ast, Y.Karino 6+2reb+1ast, I.Ryota 5
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 24+14reb+1ast, D.Brooks 12+7reb+2ast, K.Hiroto 9+1reb, D.Ramos 8+4reb+3ast, S.Ren 7+2reb+9ast, S.Terazono 6+2reb+4ast

Nagasaki - Gunma CT 78-91

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Nagasaki (16-25) was defeated at home by fourth ranked Thunders (23-18) 91-78 on Sunday. Gunma CT dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Nagasaki's 24. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) scored 20 points and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import center Kaleb Tarczewski (212-1993, college: Arizona) chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American power forward Nick Perkins (203-1996, college: Buffalo) with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds and international Yudai Baba (196-1995) scored 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Thunders have an impressive eight-game winning streak. Gunma CT moved-up to third place, which they share with Shimane SM. Nagasaki lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth position with 25 games lost. Gunma CT will meet Chiba Jets (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Nagasaki will play against the league's second-placed Nagoya DD and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gunma CT: T.McKinney-Jones 20+4reb+7ast, K.Tarczewski 16+8reb+1ast, N.Tsuji 14+1reb+1ast, N.Namizato 10+3ast, M.Parker 9+6reb+2ast, B.Bentil 9+5reb+1ast
Nagasaki: Y.Baba 15+6reb+3ast, K.Koya 13+1ast, N.Perkins 13+14reb+2ast, K.Matsumoto 12+3reb+2ast, M.Bonds 10+8reb+1ast, D.Washington 8+4reb+2ast

FE Nagoya - Shinshu BW 74-50

Everything went according to plan in Nagoya where fifth ranked Fighting Eagles (20-19) outleveled 7th ranked Brave Warriors (6-35) 74-50 on Sunday. FE Nagoya dominated down low during the game scoring 40 of its points in the paint compared to Brave Warriors's 20 and made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) scored 17 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American-Ivorian power forward Deon Thompson (204-1988, college: UNC, agency: Slash Sports) with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Four Shinshu players 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. Fighting Eagles have a solid four-game winning streak. Newly promoted FE Nagoya maintains fifth position with 20-19 record. Shinshu lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 35 games lost. FE Nagoya will meet Osaka E. (#7) on the road in the next round. Shinshu will play against Kawasaki and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 17+6reb+8ast, S.O'Mara 16+7reb+2ast, J.Jones 10+4reb+1ast, L.Evans 7+7reb, S.Ryo 6+3reb, H.Kawashima 5+5reb+1ast
Shinshu BW: D.Thompson 16+10reb+1ast, A.Rhon Jhay 11+3reb+3ast, L.Kurihara 11+3reb+1ast, A.Brandt 10+11reb, K.Ishikawa 2+1ast, Y.Fuki 0+1ast

San-en NP - Ryukyu GK 89-98

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of San-en NP (34-7) in Hamamatsu on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by Golden Kings (29-12) 98-89. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ryukyu looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) who scored 19 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The other American import forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in 11 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Golden Kings' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) who recorded 17 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Sota Oura (182-1997) added 17 points and 6 assists respectively. Five Ryukyu and four San-en NP players scored in double figures. Golden Kings have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 29-12 record which they share with defeated San-en NP. San-en NP lost third consecutive game. They still keep top place with seven games lost. They share the position with Tochigi Brex. Ryukyu are looking forward to face Kyoto H. (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. San-en NP will play against Yokohama BC (#6) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: A.Durham 19+6reb+8ast, K.Imamura 19+3reb+4ast, R.Kishimoto 14+2reb+2ast, J.Cooley 12+7reb+3ast, V.Law 11+8reb+7ast, A.Kirk 7+5reb+1ast
San-en NP: S.Ryusei 22+2reb+2ast, O.Sota 17+3reb+6ast, D.Dudzinski 17+8reb+3ast, F.Ravena 12+6reb+2ast, H.Kazuki 9+1reb+1ast, C.Clarke 6+3reb+3ast

Sendai 89ers - Kyoto H. 72-77

There was a minor upset in Sendai where 6th ranked 89ers (18-23) were defeated by eighth ranked Kyoto H. (13-28) 77-72 on Sunday. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) scored 15 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Mali power forward Cheick Diallo (206-1996, college: Kansas) chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds during the contest. Five Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Rashawn Thomas (203-1994, college: TAMUCC) with 19 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. 89ers' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Kyoto H. maintains eighth position with 13-28 record. Loser 89ers keep the sixth place with 23 games lost. They share the position with Yokohama BC. Kyoto H. will meet league's leader Ryukyu in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Sendai 89ers will play against Akita NH (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: C.Jackson 15+8reb+1ast, S.Maeta 13+2reb, C.Diallo 12+11reb+1ast, K.Jones 12+6reb+1ast, O.Yuta 12+1reb+9ast, M.Wright 6+2reb+1ast
Sendai 89ers: R.Thomas 19+7reb+1ast, N.Boothe 13+6reb+4ast, V.Gerun 11+8reb+2ast, R.Abe 7+2reb+6ast, W.Shota 6+4reb+2ast, Y.Aoki 4+2reb+3ast

Toyama G. - Ibaraki R. 89-90

Important game to mention about took place in Toyama. Eighth ranked Robots (7-34) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging their close opponent Grouses (4-37) 90-89 in the game for the eighth place. Ibaraki R. outrebounded Toyama G. 49-35 including 35 on the defensive glass. It was a good game for American Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 29 points and 13 rebounds. The other American import forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 28 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. American forward Quincy Miller-Scott (206-1992, college: Baylor, agency: Slash Sports) replied with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds and British forward Myles Hesson (198-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) added 25 points in the effort for Toyama G.Grouses' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Ibaraki R. maintains eighth position with 7-34 record which they share with defeated Toyama G.. Toyama G. lost thirteenth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 37 games lost. Ibaraki R. will play against league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo at home in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Toyama G. will play against Shimane SM (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: L.Maye 29+13reb+1ast, C.Tapscott 28+12reb+2ast, Y.Hayato 16+5reb+2ast, T.Kennedy 6+6reb+1ast, A.Hirao 6+1reb+4ast, T.Keita 3+3reb+2ast
Toyama G.: Q.Miller-Scott 30+12reb+2ast, M.Hesson 25+4reb+3ast, T.Murphy Jr. 23+6reb+2ast, I.Buva 4+2reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 3+2reb+2ast, R.Ono 2

Tochigi Brex - Sunrockers Sh. 77-70

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Tochigi Brex (34-7) defeated at home 4th ranked SunRockers (21-20) 77-70 on Sunday. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) had a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was international forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) with 21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) scored 20 points and 5 assists. Tochigi Brex have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 34-7 record, which they share with San-en NP. Sunrockers Sh. lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with 20 games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Tochigi Brex will meet Hokkaido L. (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's second-placed Sea Horses M. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: I.Fotu 22+13reb+1ast, D.Newbill 20+7reb+4ast, M.Hiejima 14+6ast, K.Takeuchi 11+2reb, G.Edwards 4+4reb, T.Shinji 3
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 21+8reb+6ast, A.Clemmons 20+2reb+5ast, J.Gibbs 8+4reb, R.Kelly 7+6reb+3ast, A.Chambers 5+2reb+1ast, K.Tsuya 5+1reb