B1 League Round 55 (Regular Season): Nagoya DD is defeated by Osaka E.

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game between second ranked Dolphins (35-21) and seventh ranked Osaka E. (22-32) was the most important one in the last round on Wednesday night. Dolphins were defeated by Osaka E. in Osaka 92-76. Osaka E. forced 20 Nagoya DD turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side international guard Yutaroh Suda (190-1992) responded with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Osaka E. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Yokohama BC. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second position with 21 games lost. Osaka E. is looking forward to face higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nagoya DD will play against Shimane SM and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Tokyo. Second ranked host Alvark Tokyo (44-10) defeated 3rd placed Jets (33-21) 78-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Jets. It was an exceptional evening for the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists. Sebastian Saiz accounted for 30 points and 7 rebounds. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 17 rebounds for Chiba Jets in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Alvark Tokyo have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with San-en NP. Chiba Jets at the other side keep the third place with 21 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will play against league's leader Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Chiba Jets will play against Ibaraki R. in Mito and hope to get back on the winning track.
Gunma CT (#4) was upset in Gunma by seventh ranked Hokkaido L. 98-90. Darral Willis fired 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Trey McKinney-Jones produced 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hokkaido L. maintains seventh place with 17-37 record. Gunma CT lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fourth position with 26 games lost. Hokkaido L. will meet higher ranked Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gunma CT will play against Akita NH and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 55: Akita NH lost to Ibaraki R. on the opponent's court 81-94. Kyoto H. unfortunately lost to Shimane SM in a home game 80-92. Hiroshima D. recorded a loss to Nagasaki on the road 78-89. FE Nagoya was defeated by Kawasaki on its own court 78-95. Shinshu was smashed by San-en NP in Hamamatsu 95-75. Ryukyu won against Saga B. at home 101-97. Yokohama BC was outscored by Sea Horses M. on the opponent's court 77-55. Toyama G. recorded a loss to Sunrockers Sh. in a home game 59-63. Sendai 89ers were defeated by Tochigi Brex on the road 81-75.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 4 assists by DJ Newbill of Tochigi Brex.



Alvark Tokyo - Chiba Jets 78-67

The game between Top Four teams took place in Tokyo. Second ranked host Alvark Tokyo (44-10) defeated 3rd placed Jets (33-21) 78-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Jets. Chiba Jets were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was an exceptional evening for the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists. Spanish Sebastian Saiz (205-1994, college: Ole Miss) accounted for 30 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 17 rebounds and the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) added 12 points and 8 assists respectively for Chiba Jets in the defeat. Four Chiba Jets players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Alvark Tokyo have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with San-en NP. Chiba Jets at the other side keep the third place with 21 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will play against league's leader Tochigi Brex on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Chiba Jets will play against Ibaraki R. in Mito and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: S.Saiz 30+7reb, R.Rossiter 16+17reb+6ast, L.Meindl 9+9reb+2ast, A.Gudaitis 7+3reb, K.Toews 6+3reb+2ast, R.Hashimoto 4+1ast
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 12+17reb+2ast, Y.Togashi 12+2reb+8ast, S.Hara 11, I.Brown 10+6reb, C.Smith 9, X.Cooks 7+12reb+2ast

Gunma CT - Hokkaido L. 90-98

Gunma CT (#4) was upset in Gunma by seventh ranked Hokkaido L. 98-90. Hokkaido L. made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. American-Cypriot center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) fired 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. American DeMon Brooks (202-1992, college: Davidson) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Four Hokkaido L. players scored in double figures. American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) produced 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international swingman Naoto Tsuji (185-1989) added 26 points and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hokkaido L. maintains seventh place with 17-37 record. Gunma CT lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fourth position with 26 games lost. Hokkaido L. will meet higher ranked Sendai 89ers (#6) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gunma CT will play against Akita NH and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: D.Willis 26+8reb+3ast, D.Brooks 19+10reb+1ast, R.Travis 15+6reb, N.Tsukasa 12+3reb+1ast, S.Terazono 9+3reb+4ast, K.Hiroto 7+1reb
Gunma CT: N.Tsuji 26+1reb+5ast, T.McKinney-Jones 22+6reb+4ast, B.Bentil 19+8reb, K.Flippin 7+2reb+5ast, K.Nomoto 6+6reb+1ast, A.Hachimura 5+2reb+1ast

Ibaraki R. - Akita NH 94-81

There was a minor upset in Mito where 5th ranked Happinets (26-28) were defeated by eighth ranked Robots (10-44) 94-81 on Wednesday. Ibaraki R. looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American Luke Maye (203-1997, college: UNC) fired a double-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (195-1998) chipped in 27 points and 4 assists. Five Robots players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Takatoshi Furukawa (190-1987) produced 20 points and Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ibaraki R. maintains eighth place with 10-44 record. Loser Happinets keeps the fifth position with 28 games lost. Ibaraki R. will meet at home higher ranked Chiba Jets (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Akita NH will play against Gunma CT and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: Y.Hayato 27+3reb+4ast, A.Hirao 20+1reb+7ast, L.Maye 20+12reb+5ast, E.Jacobsen 13+9reb+5ast, C.Tapscott 12+2reb+1ast, T.Keita 2+4reb
Akita NH: T.Furukawa 20+2reb+3ast, J.Carter 13+6reb+3ast, H.Noboru 11+1reb+4ast, A.Chol 8, S.Taguchi 8+3reb+4ast, A.Raita 6+2reb

Kyoto H. - Shimane SM 80-92

Very predictable result when third ranked Magic (32-22) defeated on the road 8th ranked Kyoto H. (15-39) 92-80 on Wednesday. Shimane SM dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Kyoto H.'s 32. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) fired a triple-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the winners. The former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) chipped in 27 points and 6 assists. The former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) produced 17 points and 8 assists and Canadian-Filipino guard Matthew Wright (193-1991, college: St.Bonaventure) added 17 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Five Kyoto H. players scored in double figures. Kyoto H.'s coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Shimane SM moved-up to second place, which they share with Sea Horses M. Loser Kyoto H. keeps the eighth position with 39 games lost. Shimane SM will meet league's second-placed Nagoya DD on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kyoto H. will play against Saga B. (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shimane SM: S.Ando 27+4reb+6ast, P.Buford 27+10reb+10ast, N.Kay 21+4reb+1ast, E.Morris 4+4reb+2ast, H.Martin 4+3reb, K.Hareyama 3+1reb
Kyoto H.: O.Yuta 17+3reb+8ast, M.Wright 17+4reb+4ast, K.Jones 12+6reb+1ast, C.Diallo 11+3reb+2ast, C.Jackson 10+8reb, S.Maeta 8+1reb

Nagasaki - Hiroshima D. 89-78

There was a minor upset when 4th placed Dragonflies (31-23) were defeated on the road by sixth ranked Nagasaki (23-31) 89-78 on Wednesday. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) fired 21 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston, agency: BIG) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. Forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) produced 22 points and 4 assists and forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for lost side. Four Nagasaki and five Hiroshima D. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Nagasaki. Newly promoted Nagasaki maintains sixth place with 23-31 record, which they share with Sendai 89ers. Loser Dragonflies keeps the fourth position with 23 games lost. Nagasaki will meet league's leader Ryukyu in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hiroshima D. will play against Osaka E. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 21+9reb+2ast, T.Kanji 17+3reb+1ast, J.Brantley 14+3reb+4ast, J.Evans 13+4reb+1ast, K.Koya 9+2reb+2ast, M.Karimata 8+3reb+6ast
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 22+4reb+4ast, N.Mayo 12+8reb+5ast, R.Yamazaki 11+4reb+2ast, I.Murphy 10+5reb+1ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 10+6reb+3ast, N.Takuto 6+2reb+6ast

FE Nagoya - Kawasaki BT 78-95

Everything went according to plan in Nagoya where third ranked Brave Thunders (30-24) beat 5th ranked Fighting Eagles (28-24) 95-78 on Wednesday. Kawasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) fired 25 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) chipped in 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists and the former international Luke Evans (203-1991, college: CBU) added 14 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Brave Thunders. Kawasaki maintains third place with 30-24 record having fourteen points less than leader Tochigi Brex, which they share with Sunrockers Sh. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the fifth position with 24 games lost. Kawasaki will meet at home league's second-placed Sea Horses M. in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. FE Nagoya will play against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: T.Wimbush 25+7reb+2ast, N.Fazekas 19+7reb+5ast, R.Shinoyama 12+7ast, Y.Fujii 10+3reb+1ast, R.Allen 10+4reb+1ast, J.Heath 9+7reb+3ast
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 22+10reb+8ast, J.Jones 18+3reb+1ast, L.Evans 14+11reb+3ast, S.O'Mara 14+7reb+1ast, T.Sasayama 5+2reb+2ast, S.Ryo 3+1reb+3ast

San-en NP - Shinshu BW 95-75

There was no surprise in Hamamatsu where 7th ranked Brave Warriors (7-47) were outplayed by first ranked San-en NP (44-10) 95-75 on Wednesday. San-en NP shot 21 for 30 from the free-throw line, while Shinshu only scored five points from the stripe. San-en NP forced 22 Shinshu turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) fired 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-1996) chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Five San-en NP players scored in double figures. American center Wayne Marshall (211-1986, college: Temple) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and Australian center Angus Brandt (208-1989, college: Oregon St.) added 15 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for San-en NP. They maintain first place with 44-10 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Shinshu lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with 47 games lost. San-en NP will meet Sunrockers Sh. (#4) in the next round. Shinshu will play against Toyama G. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: O.Sota 18+1reb+6ast, F.Ravena 17+7reb+4ast, Y.Maten 16+9reb+4ast, D.Dudzinski 14+7reb+4ast, C.Clarke 12+1reb+6ast, H.Kazuki 6+3reb
Shinshu BW: K.Ishikawa 19+1reb+2ast, W.Marshall 15+14reb, A.Brandt 15+6reb+3ast, S.Takumi 8+1reb, K.Taichi 5+2reb, Y.Fuki 5+1reb+2ast

Osaka E. - Nagoya DD 92-76

The game between second ranked Dolphins (35-21) and seventh ranked Osaka E. (22-32) was the most important one in the last round on Wednesday night. Dolphins were defeated by Osaka E. in Osaka 92-76. Osaka E. forced 20 Nagoya DD turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 15 rebounds. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side international guard Yutaroh Suda (190-1992) responded with 14 points and 5 rebounds and American-Filipino guard Ray Parks (193-1993, agency: Slash Sports) scored 13 points. Five Nagoya DD players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Osaka E. moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Yokohama BC. Nagoya DD at the other side keeps the second position with 21 games lost. Osaka E. is looking forward to face higher ranked Hiroshima D. (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Nagoya DD will play against Shimane SM and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Osaka E.: A.Caloiaro 23+8reb+4ast, S.Long 18+15reb+3ast, H.Lee 9+4reb+1ast, I.Hummer 9+5reb+2ast, I.Fumiya 9+1reb+1ast, T.Suzuki 6+1reb+4ast
Nagoya DD: Y.Suda 14+5reb+2ast, P.Ray 13+3reb+3ast, J.Smith 11+5reb+2ast, S.Eatherton 10+3reb+1ast, T.Saito 10+1reb+3ast, T.Sato 6+2reb

Ryukyu GK - Saga B. 101-97

No shocking result in a game in Okinawa where first ranked Golden Kings (39-15) won against 5th ranked Ballooners (27-27) 101-97 on Wednesday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Ryukyu made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Ryukyu outrebounded Saga B. 51-37 including 39 on the defensive glass. American power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) fired a double-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. The former international swingman Keita Imamura (191-1996) chipped in 24 points and 7 rebounds. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-1990) produced 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Four Ryukyu and five Saga B. players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains first place with 39-15 record. Saga B. lost their third game in a row. Newly promoted team keeps the fifth position with 27 games lost. Ryukyu will meet at home Nagasaki (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Saga B. will play against Kyoto H. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ryukyu GK: K.Imamura 24+7reb+1ast, H.Falcon 22+3reb+1ast, A.Durham 16+13reb+5ast, J.Cooley 12+10reb+1ast, M.Yoshiyuki 8+2reb+2ast, S.Onodera 8+1reb
Saga B.: R.Garcia 26+5reb+6ast, S.Taiki 19+4reb+4ast, C.Fieler 16+7reb+4ast, Y.Childs 13+6reb+2ast, J.Harrellson 13+9reb+1ast, Y.Karino 3+1reb+2ast

Sea Horses M. - Yokohama BC 77-55

Very expected game in Kariya where 6th ranked B-Corsairs (22-32) were crushed by second ranked SeaHorses (32-22) 77-55 on Wednesday. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) fired 24 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. American Devin Oliver (203-1992, college: Dayton) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds and Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) added 11 points and 11 rebounds respectively 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. Sea Horses M. maintains second place with 32-22 record having twelve points less than leader Tochigi Brex, which they share with Shimane SM. Yokohama BC lost their fifth game in a row. They keep the sixth position with 32 games lost. They share it with Osaka E.. Sea Horses M. will meet Kawasaki (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Yokohama BC will play against FE Nagoya and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 24+9reb+2ast, J.Layman 15+3reb, Z.Auguste 10+11reb+3ast, A.Schafer 9+8reb, D.Lee 6+2reb, K.Ishii 3
Yokohama BC: D.Oliver 14+10reb+1ast, K.Sotto 11+11reb+2ast, J.Uthoff 9+6reb+4ast, Y.Sugiura 6+3reb, K.King 6+1reb, K.Yuki 4+3reb+5ast

Toyama G. - Sunrockers Sh. 59-63

Rather predictable result in Toyama where fourth ranked SunRockers (30-24) defeated 8th ranked Grouses (4-50) 63-59 on Wednesday. Sunrockers Sh. made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Sunrockers Sh. outrebounded Toyama G. 42-26 including a 12-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) fired 23 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American forward Jeffrey Gibbs (188-1980, college: Otterbein) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Four SunRockers players scored in double figures. American power forward Johnathan Williams III (206-1995, college: Gonzaga, agency: Slash Sports) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds and British forward Myles Hesson (198-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Grouses' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to third place, which they share with Kawasaki. Toyama G. lost their twenty sixth game in a row. They keep the eighth position with 50 games lost. Sunrockers Sh. will meet at home league's leader San-en NP in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Toyama G. will play against Shinshu (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 23+9reb+2ast, R.Kelly 11+5reb+1ast, J.Gibbs 10+12reb+4ast, A.Clemmons 10+8reb+2ast, L.Vendrame 6+4reb+2ast, K.Tsuya 3+2reb
Toyama G.: J.Williams III 18+7reb+3ast, M.Hesson 10+6reb+2ast, N.Yoshiyuki 8+2reb+2ast, U.Shunsuke 7, K.Takahashi 5+1reb, N.Uto 4+1reb+2ast

Tochigi Brex - Sendai 89ers 81-75

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked 89ers (23-31) were defeated on the road by first ranked Tochigi Brex (46-8) 81-75 on Wednesday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn St.) fired 25 points and 4 assists for the winners. The former international swingman Makoto Hiejima (191-1990) chipped in 15 points. American forward Rashawn Thomas (203-1994, college: TAMUCC) produced 18 points and South Korean Jae-Min Yang (201-1999, college: Neosho Co.) added 10 points and 9 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tochigi Brex maintains first place with 46-8 record. Loser 89ers keep the sixth position with 31 games lost. They share it with Nagasaki. Tochigi Brex will meet at home league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sendai 89ers will play against Hokkaido L. (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 25+4reb+4ast, M.Hiejima 15+3reb+2ast, I.Fotu 13+4reb, G.Jerrett 8+8reb+1ast, G.Edwards 5+7reb+1ast, H.Watanabe 5+1ast
Sendai 89ers: R.Thomas 18+3reb+2ast, N.Boothe 13+4reb+4ast, W.Ryu 11+2reb+2ast, J.Yang 10+9reb+2ast, V.Gerun 9+4reb+2ast, R.Abe 6+7reb+4ast