B1 League Round 59 (Regular Season): Ryukyu lose to Nagoya DD

There are only two more rounds left in the Regular Season in B1 League. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Golden Kings (40-18) recorded its eighteenth loss in Nagoya on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Dolphins (39-21) 86-79. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Nagoya DD made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-1995) chipped in 15 points and 8 assists. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dolphins have a solid series of four victories in a row. Nagoya DD maintains second place with 39-21 record having five points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Ryukyu lost third consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top position with 18 games lost. Nagoya DD will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ryukyu will play on the road against Hiroshima D. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Another exciting game took place in Kanagawa where fourth ranked Sunrockers Sh. (33-25) edged by two points 3rd placed Kawasaki (32-26) 79-77. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Anthony Clemmons contributed with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) answered with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds for Brave Thunders. Brave Thunders' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to third place. Kawasaki at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 26 games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Sunrockers Sh. will play against Shinshu (#7) in Nagano in the next round. Kawasaki will play on the road against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Nagoya between Kyoto H. and Fighting Eagles. Eighth ranked Kyoto H. (17-41) got a very close victory on the road over 5th ranked Fighting Eagles (31-25). Kyoto H. managed to escape with a 2-point win 77-75 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Fighting Eagles. It was a great evening for Yuta Okada who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 7 assists. Sean OMara responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kyoto H. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Hokkaido L. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the fifth position with 25 games lost. Kyoto H. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FE Nagoya will play against Toyama G. (#8) and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 59 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Hokkaido L. was defeated by Akita NH in a road game 65-54. Alvark Tokyo beat Gunma CT at home 80-64. Tochigi Brex won against Chiba Jets on the opponent's court 85-74. Nagasaki managed to outperform Osaka E. in a home game 84-66. Toyama G. was rolled over San-en NP on the road 103-80. Sea Horses M. was defeated by Saga B. on its own court 79-89. Ibaraki R. beat Sendai 89ers in Mito 85-74. Shimane SM lost to Hiroshima D. at home 51-65. Yokohama BC was outscored by Shinshu on the opponent's court 56-83.
The best stats of 59th round was 21 points and 13 rebounds by Justyn Mutts of Shinshu BW.



Akita NH - Hokkaido L. 65-54

There was no surprise in Akita where 7th ranked Hokkaido L. (17-41) was defeated by fifth ranked Happinets (29-29) 65-54 on Sunday. It was a great evening for Panamanian-American center Javier Carter (203-1991, college: USA, agency: Slash Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. The former international point guard Ko Kumagai (173-1996) helped adding 8 points and 6 assists. Happinets' coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Reid Travis (203-1995, college: Kentucky, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 7 points and 11 rebounds and American-Cypriot center Darral Willis (206-1996, college: Wichita St.) scored 11 points and 6 rebounds. Happinets have a solid series of three victories in a row. Akita NH maintains fifth place with 29-29 record, which they share with Saga B. Hokkaido L. lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 41 games lost. They share it with Kyoto H.. Akita NH will meet at home higher ranked Chiba Jets (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hokkaido L. will play against the league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Akita NH: J.Carter 14+12reb, T.Furukawa 13+1reb+1ast, R.Yasuoka 8+2reb, K.Ko 8+3reb+6ast, T.Nakayama 7+4reb+4ast, S.Zack 4+7reb+2ast
Hokkaido L.: K.Hiroto 12+1reb+3ast, D.Willis 11+6reb+2ast, K.Sekino 10+1reb, S.Ren 7+5reb+4ast, R.Travis 7+11reb+3ast, D.Brooks 4+7reb

Alvark Tokyo - Gunma CT 80-64

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Alvark Tokyo (46-12) defeated at home 4th placed Thunders (30-28) 80-64 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Thunders's 26. Alvark Tokyo outrebounded Gunma CT 42-22 including a 14-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Lithuanian center Arturas Gudaitis (211-1993) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field). The former international guard Kai Toews (188-1998, college: UNCW) helped adding 22 points and 4 assists. Ghanian-American Ben Bentil (206-1995, college: Providence) responded with 15 points and naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Alvark Tokyo keeps a position of league leader, which they share with San-en NP. Loser Thunders keeps the fourth place with 28 games lost. Alvark Tokyo will meet Hokkaido L. (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gunma CT will play against Sendai 89ers and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alvark Tokyo: A.Gudaitis 24+8reb+4ast, K.Toews 22+3reb+4ast, L.Meindl 12+6reb+1ast, S.Ando 9+2ast, Z.Baranski 5+7reb, Y.Hirotaka 4+6reb
Gunma CT: B.Bentil 15+4reb, M.Parker 10+9reb, K.Nomoto 9+3reb, K.Flippin 7+8ast, A.Hachimura 6+3reb, N.Tsuji 5+2reb+2ast

Kawasaki BT - Sunrockers Sh. 77-79

Another exciting game took place in Kanagawa where fourth ranked Sunrockers Sh. (33-25) edged by two points 3rd placed Kawasaki (32-26) 79-77. International forward Josh Hawkinson (208-1995, college: WSU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. American-Kazakhstan point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) contributed with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The former international power forward Nick Fazekas (207-1985, college: Nevada) answered with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and American forward Thomas Wimbush (201-1993, college: Fairmont St., agency: Slash Sports) added 22 points in the effort for Brave Thunders. Brave Thunders' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sunrockers Sh. moved-up to third place. Kawasaki at the other side dropped to the fourth position with 26 games lost. They share it with Shimane SM. Sunrockers Sh. will play against Shinshu (#7) in Nagano in the next round. Kawasaki will play on the road against Yokohama BC and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: J.Hawkinson 23+11reb+4ast, A.Clemmons 22+7reb+6ast, J.Gibbs 11+6reb+2ast, D.Tanaka 9+3reb+1ast, K.Tsuya 8+2reb, L.Vendrame 6+1reb+3ast
Kawasaki BT: N.Fazekas 22+12reb+2ast, T.Wimbush 22+3reb+2ast, Y.Fujii 14+8reb+5ast, R.Shinoyama 8+1reb+3ast, J.Heath 5+4reb+2ast, I.Ryo 3

Chiba Jets - Tochigi Brex 74-85

Rather expected game in Chiba where 3rd placed Jets (34-24) were defeated by first ranked Tochigi Brex (49-9) 85-74 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Tongan-New Zealand Isaac Fotu (203-1993, college: Hawaii) helped adding 9 points and 11 rebounds. Four Tochigi Brex players scored in double figures. American forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and the former international point guard Yuki Togashi (170-1993) scored 21 points and 9 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Tochigi Brex maintains first place with 49-9 record. Chiba Jets lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the second position with 24 games lost. They share it with Sea Horses M.. Tochigi Brex will meet Ibaraki R. (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Chiba Jets will play against Akita NH (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: D.Newbill 21+5reb+4ast, G.Edwards 16+4reb, M.Hiejima 13+2reb+4ast, G.Jerrett 10+9reb+1ast, I.Fotu 9+11reb+1ast, Y.Endo 7+2ast
Chiba Jets: J.Mooney 22+12reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 21+2reb+9ast, C.Smith 7+3reb, O.Asato 5+1reb+1ast, X.Cooks 5+5reb+2ast, I.Brown 5+2reb+2ast

Nagoya DD - Ryukyu GK 86-79

Top ranked Golden Kings (40-18) recorded its eighteenth loss in Nagoya on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Dolphins (39-21) 86-79. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Nagoya DD made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international point guard Takumi Saito (172-1995) chipped in 15 points and 8 assists. American power forward Jack Cooley (206-1991, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 16 rebounds and the other American import forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) added 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Four Ryukyu players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dolphins have a solid series of four victories in a row. Nagoya DD maintains second place with 39-21 record having five points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Ryukyu lost third consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top position with 18 games lost. Nagoya DD will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Ryukyu will play on the road against Hiroshima D. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagoya DD: S.Eatherton 24+10reb+4ast, T.Saito 15+3reb+8ast, Y.Suda 12+1ast, T.Soares 11+5reb+2ast, P.Ray 6+5reb+2ast, T.Sato 5
Ryukyu GK: A.Durham 15+5reb+5ast, V.Law 14+7reb+4ast, J.Cooley 13+16reb+1ast, A.Kirk 10+5reb+1ast, S.Onodera 8+1ast, K.Imamura 7

Nagasaki - Osaka E. 84-66

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Nagasaki's (25-33) home victory over 7th ranked Osaka E. (23-35) 84-66 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 8 rebounds. His fellow American import Jarrell Brantley (201-1996, college: Charleston, agency: BIG) helped adding 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Nagasaki players scored in double figures. American forward Shawn Long (208-1993, college: Louisiana, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 32 points and 8 rebounds and Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Nagasaki maintains sixth place with 25-33 record which they share with defeated Osaka E.. Loser Osaka E. dropped to the sixth position with 35 games lost. They share it with Yokohama BC. Nagasaki will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Osaka E. will play against Shimane SM (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Nagasaki: M.Bonds 21+8reb+3ast, M.Karimata 15+2reb+4ast, J.Brantley 13+5reb+4ast, Y.Baba 10+3reb+2ast, K.Koya 10+3reb+2ast, C.Min-Kug 8+2reb
Osaka E.: S.Long 32+8reb+1ast, A.Caloiaro 14+12reb+2ast, I.Hummer 8+1reb+1ast, H.Lee 5+7reb+2ast, A.Tajima 5+2reb+2ast, I.Fumiya 2+8reb+2ast

FE Nagoya - Kyoto H. 75-77

A very close game took place in Nagoya between Kyoto H. and Fighting Eagles. Eighth ranked Kyoto H. (17-41) got a very close victory on the road over 5th ranked Fighting Eagles (31-25). Kyoto H. managed to escape with a 2-point win 77-75 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Fighting Eagles. It was a great evening for the former international guard Yuta Okada (189-1998) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 7 assists. American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) helped adding 12 points and 13 rebounds. American power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import forward Jeremy Jones (201-1996, college: Gonzaga) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kyoto H. moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Hokkaido L. Newly promoted FE Nagoya keeps the fifth position with 25 games lost. Kyoto H. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FE Nagoya will play against Toyama G. (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: O.Yuta 24+2reb+7ast, K.Jones 15+7reb+2ast, C.Jackson 12+13reb+1ast, S.Maeta 10, M.Wright 7+2reb+1ast, C.Diallo 6+5reb+1ast
FE Nagoya: S.O'Mara 17+10reb+2ast, J.Jones 13+5reb+1ast, S.Ryo 11+1reb, T.Sasayama 11+3reb+3ast, A.Henry 10+5reb+4ast, L.Evans 7+6reb+2ast

San-en NP - Toyama G. 103-80

Not a big story in a game in Hamamatsu where 8th ranked Grouses (4-54) were outplayed by first ranked San-en NP (46-12) 103-80 on Sunday. San-en NP forced 22 Toyama G. turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 53.6 percentage. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Toyama G.'s players. It was a great evening for American David Dudzinski (205-1992, college: Holy Cross) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Filipino guard Ferdinand Ravena (189-1996) helped adding 18 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Four San-en NP players scored in double figures. American forward Quincy Miller-Scott (206-1992, college: Baylor, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds and British forward Myles Hesson (198-1990, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. 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 maintains first place with 46-12 record, which they share with Alvark Tokyo. Toyama G. lost thirtieth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 54 games lost. San-en NP will meet league's second-placed Sea Horses M. in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Toyama G. will play against FE Nagoya (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
San-en NP: D.Dudzinski 24+7reb+6ast, C.Clarke 21+3reb+4ast, F.Ravena 18+5reb+7ast, O.Sota 16+3reb+3ast, K.Kanamaru 6+1reb, S.Ryusei 5+2reb+5ast
Toyama G.: Q.Miller-Scott 23+6reb+3ast, M.Hesson 16+7reb+3ast, J.Williams III 14+10reb, T.Murphy Jr. 5+2reb, Y.Java 5, N.Yoshiyuki 5+3reb+1ast

Sea Horses M. - Saga B. 79-89

There was a small surprise in Kariya where fifth ranked Ballooners (29-29) won against second-ranked SeaHorses (34-24) 89-79 on Sunday. Saga B. outrebounded Sea Horses M. 41-28 including 33 on the defensive glass. Saga B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American Chase Fieler (202-1992, college: FGCU) who led his team to a victory scoring 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) helped adding 12 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 17 points and 8 rebounds. Five Saga B. and four Sea Horses M. players scored in double figures. SeaHorses' coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Newly promoted Saga B. maintains fifth place with 29-29 record, which they share with Akita NH. Loser SeaHorses keeps the second position with 24 games lost. They share it with Chiba Jets. Saga B. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Sea Horses M. will play against the league's leader San-en NP and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saga B.: C.Fieler 18+7reb+6ast, S.Taiki 17+3reb+6ast, R.Garcia 14+5reb+2ast, I.Ryota 13+1reb, J.Harrellson 13+11reb+3ast, Y.Childs 12+13reb+5ast
Sea Horses M.: N.Satoshi 17+2reb+7ast, Z.Auguste 17+8reb+1ast, D.Gardner 17+6reb+5ast, J.Layman 14+4reb+3ast, A.Schafer 5+3reb, K.Ishii 3+1ast

Sendai 89ers - Ibaraki R. 74-85

There was a minor upset in Sendai where 6th ranked 89ers (26-32) were defeated by eighth ranked Robots (12-46) 85-74 on Sunday. Ibaraki R. made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for swingman Hayato Yamaguchi (195-1998) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds. American forward Chehales Tapscott (195-1990, college: Portland St.) helped adding 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. American forward Rashawn Thomas (203-1994, college: TAMUCC) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) scored 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. 89ers' coach tested eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Ibaraki R. maintains eighth place with 12-46 record. Loser 89ers keep the sixth position with 32 games lost. Ibaraki R. will meet at home league's leader Tochigi Brex in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sendai 89ers will play against Gunma CT (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: Y.Hayato 26+12reb+2ast, E.Jacobsen 16+3reb+2ast, C.Tapscott 13+5reb+6ast, T.Kennedy 10+3reb+3ast, N.Kohei 9+2reb+4ast, A.Hirao 8+2reb+4ast
Sendai 89ers: R.Abe 17+3reb+5ast, R.Thomas 14+11reb+4ast, N.Boothe 13+9reb+6ast, M.Kataoka 12, R.Kobayashi 9+1ast, V.Gerun 7+7reb+3ast

Shimane SM - Hiroshima D. 51-65

The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Dragonflies' (35-23) road victory over 4th placed Magic (32-26) 65-51 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import forward Nick Mayo (206-1997, college: EKU, agency: Pensack Sports) helped adding 15 points and 5 rebounds. American forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) scored 8 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dragonflies have a solid series of four victories in a row. Hiroshima D. maintains third place with 35-23 record having eleven points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Shimane SM lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with 26 games lost. They share it with Kawasaki. Hiroshima D. will meet at home league's leader Ryukyu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Shimane SM will play against Osaka E. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hiroshima D.: K.Blackshear Jr. 19+6reb+6ast, N.Mayo 15+5reb+1ast, D.Evans 12+4reb+1ast, T.Nephawe 7+9reb+1ast, N.Takuto 5+1reb+3ast, S.Funyu 5+1reb+1ast
Shimane SM: P.Buford 19+7reb+5ast, S.Ando 11+5reb, N.Kay 8+5reb+3ast, E.Morris 7+4reb, H.Martin 3+1reb, T.Shota 3+1reb+2ast

Shinshu BW - Yokohama BC 83-56

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Nagano where 6th ranked B-Corsairs (23-35) were rolled over by seventh ranked Brave Warriors (10-48) 83-56 on Sunday. Shinshu dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to B-Corsairs's 36. Shinshu outrebounded Yokohama BC 45-23 including a 32-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shinshu looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for American forward Justyn Mutts (201-1999, college: Virginia Tech, agency: Pensack Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Kaito Ishikawa (170-1990) helped adding 25 points and 7 assists. American forward Jarrod Uthoff (206-1993, college: Iowa) responded with 9 points and 8 rebounds and Filipino-American center Kai Sotto (220-2002) scored 11 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Shinshu maintains seventh place with 10-48 record. Loser B-Corsairs keeps the sixth position with 35 games lost. They share it with Osaka E.. Shinshu will meet higher ranked Sunrockers Sh. (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yokohama BC will play against Kawasaki and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Shinshu BW: K.Ishikawa 25+2reb+7ast, J.Mutts 21+13reb+3ast, A.Brandt 13+11reb, W.Marshall 6+4reb, A.Rhon Jhay 5+3reb+4ast, E.Kojima-Donley 4+2reb+3ast
Yokohama BC: K.Sotto 11+4reb+1ast, J.Uthoff 9+8reb+2ast, Y.Nishino 8+1reb, K.Morii 6+2reb+6ast, K.King 6+3reb+1ast, S.Koya 5+1ast