B3 League Round 3 (Regular Season): Iwate hands first defeat to Tokyo Utd

Round 3 means everything may happen in B3 League as the season just started. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of United (3-1) in Tokyo on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Big Bulls (5-1) 86-72. Iwate had a 25-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. point guard Harumichi Ishikawa (170-1999) chipped in 18 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Big Bulls is looking forward to face Veertien Mie (#16) in Yokkaichi in the next round which should be an easy win for them. United will play on the road against Tokushima Gam. (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Very important is a road loss of Big Bulls (5-1) against United (3-1) on Saturday night. Visiting Big Bulls were crushed by United in Tokyo 81-62. It was a good game for point guard Mitsuki Nagao (174-1999) who led his team to a victory with 23 points. Rhys Vague contributed with 16 points for the winners. United's coach Jun Hashizume used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) answered with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds for Iwate. United will play against Tokushima Gam. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Big Bulls will play against Veertien Mie and hope to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of Five Arrows (4-2) against Shanan Utd (2-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Five Arrows were defeated by Shanan Utd in a tough game in Kanagawa 81-90. It was a great evening for Michael Hughes who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Shanan Utd's coach Takeshi Hotta used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was Katsumi Takahashi with 16 points and 4 assists. Shanan Utd will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Five Arrows will play against Okayama and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 3 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Niigata A. defeated Kanazawa in a road game 78-72. Tokyo was beaten by Okayama at home 80-83. Yamaguchi won against Saitama on the opponent's court 79-67. Tachikawa unfortunately lost to Tokyo Z in a home game 77-88. Okayama recorded a loss to Tokyo on the road 70-85. Shanan Utd was defeated by Kagawa on its own court 56-70. Shinagawa was beaten by Tokushima Gam. in a road game 84-79. Saitama lost to Yamaguchi at home 67-78. Tokyo Z unfortunately lost to Tachikawa on the opponent's court 92-100. Tokushima Gam. recorded a loss to Shinagawa in a home game 72-86. Niigata A. defeated Kanazawa on the road 90-89.
The best stats of 3rd round was 25 points and 5 assists by Anthony Nelson of Niigata A..



Kanazawa - Niigata A. 72-78

There was no surprise in Ishikawa where Kanazawa (0-6) was defeated by Niigata A. (4-2) 78-72 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points and 8 rebounds. American power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) helped adding 17 points. The best for the losing side was American forward Deandre Abram (203-1997, college: Milwaukee) with 18 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) scored 15 points. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Niigata A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kanazawa will play against Shinagawa (#13) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: D.Abram 18+7reb+3ast, S.Green 15+4reb+2ast, D.Kokubu 14+3reb, T.Kubo 9+2reb+4ast, N.Norbertas 6+5reb+5ast, K.Higashino 6+1reb+5ast
Niigata A.: K.Hunt 21+8reb, E.Ravenel 17+4reb+1ast, K.Igarashi 11+3reb+3ast, P.Faye 8+6reb, A.Nelson 7+1reb+8ast, S.Tanaka 5

Tokyo Utd - Iwate 72-86

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of United (3-1) in Tokyo on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Big Bulls (5-1) 86-72. Iwate had a 25-14 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Point guard Harumichi Ishikawa (170-1999) chipped in 18 points and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) who recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) and point guard Hajime Imabayashi (184-1999) added 17 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Big Bulls is looking forward to face Veertien Mie (#16) in Yokkaichi in the next round which should be an easy win for them. United will play on the road against Tokushima Gam. (#2) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Utd: H.Imabayashi 17+3reb+2ast, R.Gustys 15+13reb+3ast, B.Glorida 11+6reb+2ast, R.Vague 10+5reb+2ast, D.Taguchi 7+4ast, R.Kawashima 7+2ast
Iwate: H.Ishikawa 18+3reb+6ast, C.Mounce 17+14reb+5ast, S.Goto 16+5reb+5ast, E.Odigie 14+10reb+1ast, Y.Makanae 6+2reb, H.Usui 6

Tokyo HT - Okayama 80-83

No shocking result in a game in Tokyo where Try Hoop (2-4) edged Hachioji Trains (2-4) 83-80 on Friday. Okayama shot 60.8 percent from the field. Strangely Tokyo outrebounded Okayama 39-25 including a 16-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American-Finnish forward Alex Murphy (206-1993, college: Northeastern) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds. Point guard Aruma Hamada (178-1997) helped adding 17 points and 9 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and guard Yuji Takahashi (183-1991) scored 10 points and 8 assists. Four Tokyo players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Try Hoop will meet Kagawa (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hachioji Trains will play against Saitama (#12) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tokyo HT: D.Doblas 23+11reb+2ast, H.Ogane 11+1reb+2ast, L.Gill 10+6reb+2ast, Y.Takahashi 10+1reb+8ast, Y.Oshiro 7+3reb+1ast, S.Ito 5+2reb+3ast
Okayama: A.Murphy 24+7reb+1ast, T.Samuel 17+4reb, A.Hamada 17+1reb+9ast, Y.Mukai 5+3reb, K.Takabatake 4+2ast, S.Timmins 4+1reb+4ast

Saitama - Yamaguchi 67-79

But Broncos were not able to use a home court advantage and were defeated by the opponent from Yamaguchi 79-67 on Saturday night. It was a great evening for American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. His fellow American import Freddie McSwain Jr (201-1994, college: Indiana, agency: Haylett Sports) helped adding 16 points and 7 rebounds. McSwain Jr. is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The best for the losing side was point guard Kentaro Yoshida (173-1995) with 20 points and 5 assists and American power forward Ryan Watkins (206-1991, college: Boise St., agency: Slash Sports) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Pats Five will meet at home Yokohama (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Broncos will play against Tokyo (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saitama: K.Yoshida 20+3reb+5ast, R.Watkins 13+13reb+1ast, H.Akiyama 10+2reb+1ast, K.Matsui 9+2reb, F.Sato 6, H.Shifuta 4+3reb
Yamaguchi: F.McSwain Jr. 16+7reb+3ast, B.Preston 15+13reb+4ast, Y.Shigetomi 14+2reb+3ast, I.Tomida 9+1reb+1ast, R.Yamaguchi 9+3reb+1ast, A.Collum 7+4reb

Tokyo Utd - Iwate 81-62

Very important is a road loss of Big Bulls (5-1) against United (3-1) on Saturday night. Visiting Big Bulls were crushed by United in Tokyo 81-62. Tokyo Utd forced 19 Iwate turnovers. Iwate was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for point guard Mitsuki Nagao (174-1999) who led his team to a victory with 23 points. Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-1996) contributed with 16 points for the winners. United's coach Jun Hashizume used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Clay Mounce (199-1998, college: Furman) answered with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and American-Tunisian forward Efe Odigie (206-1989, college: SMU, agency: Diamond Sports) added 15 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Iwate. United will play against Tokushima Gam. on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Big Bulls will play against Veertien Mie and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Iwate: E.Odigie 15+5reb+2ast, Y.Makanae 13+2reb+1ast, C.Mounce 11+10reb+3ast, H.Ishikawa 9+1reb+4ast, C.Mbodj 9+11reb+1ast, S.Goto 2+2reb+2ast
Tokyo Utd: M.Nagao 23+4reb, R.Vague 16+3reb+3ast, R.Kawashima 14+2reb+2ast, H.Imabayashi 7+3reb+8ast, M.Ueda 7+3reb+1ast, R.Gustys 5+8reb+2ast

Tachikawa - Tokyo Z 77-88

The game between closely ranked teams ended with Earthfriends' (3-3) road victory over Tachikawa (4-2) 88-77 on Saturday. It was a great evening for American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points and 8 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) helped adding 26 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) with 26 points and 5 rebounds and Ousu Mori (183-1996) scored 10 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Earthfriends will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tachikawa will play against Gifu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: A.Fitzgerald 26+5reb+3ast, O.Mori 10+7reb+2ast, J.Machii 9+2reb+3ast, J.Ingram 9+6reb+1ast, K.Akiyama 6+3reb+2ast, J.Bruner 6+5reb+2ast
Tokyo Z: J.Hillsman 26+5reb, M.Benlevi 20+5reb, J.Lampkin 20+8reb+3ast, T.Ide 7+4reb+7ast, K.Ikeda 5+3ast, S.Shimodaira 4+1reb+2ast

Tokyo HT - Okayama 85-70

There was a minor upset in Tokyo where Try Hoop (2-4) was defeated by Hachioji Trains (2-4) 85-70 on Saturday. Tokyo dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Try Hoop's 30. Tokyo outrebounded Okayama 41-24 including a 30-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) helped adding 22 points and 6 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was New Zealand forward Taane Samuel (200-1999) with 18 points and guard Keisuke Takabatake (183-1990) scored 12 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Four Okayama players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Hachioji Trains will meet at home Saitama (#12) in the next round. Try Hoop will play against Kagawa where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Okayama: T.Samuel 18+4reb+2ast, K.Takabatake 12+3reb+3ast, Y.Mukai 11+1reb, A.Murphy 10+5reb, S.Faye 6+1reb, T.Taisei 5+2ast
Tokyo HT: T.Sullivan 22+6reb+3ast, D.Doblas 20+10reb+3ast, Y.Oshiro 11+3reb, L.Gill 8+4reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 6+3reb+2ast, S.Ito 5+1reb+4ast

Shanan Utd - Kagawa FA 56-70

Everything went according to plan in Kanagawa where Five Arrows (4-2) won against Shanan Utd (2-2) 70-56 on Saturday. It was a great evening for Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-1996, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 11 points and 15 rebounds. American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) helped adding 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists and point guard Shuki Shigetomi (174-1998) scored 7 points and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows will meet at home Okayama (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Shanan Utd will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: M.Hughes 11+15reb+5ast, J.Washington 11+4reb, M.Phillips 8+2reb, S.Shigetomi 7+4reb+5ast, S.Takagi 6+2reb+2ast, T.Ishii 4+2reb+1ast
Kagawa FA: B.Chapman 12+6reb+4ast, M.Dama 11+15reb+3ast, I.Takahashi 11+2reb+2ast, Y.Ukeda 9+1reb+1ast, K.Takahashi 8+3reb+1ast, R.Kondo 7+2ast

Tokushima Gam. - Shinagawa 84-79

There was no surprise in Tokushima where Shinagawa (2-4) was defeated by Gambarous (5-1) 84-79 on Saturday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for power forward Evan Maxwell (208-1995, college: IWU, agency: Players Group) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points and 5 rebounds. Power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) helped adding 17 points and 8 rebounds. Four Gambarous players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds and swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. Shinagawa's coach Tomoro Sano tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Gambarous will meet at home Tokyo Utd (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Shinagawa will play against Kanazawa (#17) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shinagawa: J.Faison 22+12reb+2ast, M.Craig 18+6reb+1ast, H.Koval 14+9reb+1ast, I.Ryota 7+3reb+1ast, H.Higashi 5+1ast, T.Ochiai 4+1reb+3ast
Tokushima Gam.: E.Maxwell 22+5reb, T.Dawson 17+8reb+2ast, A.Kuerban 12+5reb+2ast, K.Stockman Jr. 11+2reb+3ast, K.Wakasa 7+4reb, W.Furukawa 5+2reb+1ast

Saitama - Yamaguchi 67-78

But Broncos were not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Yamaguchi 78-67 on Sunday night. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. Freddie McSwain Jr (201-1994, college: Indiana, agency: Haylett Sports) helped adding 11 points and 6 rebounds. McSwain Jr. is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The best for the losing side was power forward Ryan Watkins (206-1991, college: Boise St., agency: Slash Sports) with 16 points and 9 rebounds and Grant Sitton (206-1993, college: Victoria) scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Pats Five will meet at home Yokohama (#7) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Broncos will play against Tokyo (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saitama: R.Watkins 16+9reb+1ast, K.Yoshida 14+2reb, G.Sitton 13+6reb, M.Morgan 9+5reb, H.Shifuta 8+4reb+2ast, K.Matsui 3
Yamaguchi: B.Preston 26+14reb+2ast, R.Yamaguchi 12, Y.Shigetomi 11+4reb+2ast, F.McSwain Jr. 11+6reb+3ast, A.Collum 8+7reb+1ast, K.Kawakami 6+5reb+4ast

Tachikawa - Tokyo Z 100-92

Tachikawa used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Tokyo 100-92 on Sunday night. Tachikawa made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory scoring 40 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Jordan Bruner (208-1997, college: Alabama, agency: Diamond Sports) helped adding 25 points and 16 rebounds. Four Tachikawa players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) with 27 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) scored 15 points. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Tachikawa will meet Gifu (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Earthfriends will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: J.Lampkin 27+9reb+3ast, J.Hillsman 15+4reb+2ast, M.Benlevi 13+7reb+1ast, K.Ikeda 10+2reb+2ast, Z.Moore 8+3reb+3ast, T.Ide 6+3reb+7ast
Tachikawa: A.Fitzgerald 40+9reb+4ast, J.Bruner 25+16reb+3ast, K.Akiyama 16+2reb+6ast, O.Mori 12+2reb+1ast, J.Ingram 4+2reb+1ast, J.Machii 3+4reb+1ast

Shanan Utd - Kagawa FA 90-81

Very important is a road loss of Five Arrows (4-2) against Shanan Utd (2-2) on Sunday night. Visiting Five Arrows were defeated by Shanan Utd in a tough game in Kanagawa 81-90. Shanan Utd forced 20 Kagawa turnovers. It was a great evening for American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward JyLan Washington (206-1997, college: Tennessee St.) helped adding 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Shanan Utd players scored in double figures. Shanan Utd's coach Takeshi Hotta used a ten-player rotation saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was point guard Katsumi Takahashi (180-2000) with 16 points and 4 assists and American forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) scored 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Shanan Utd will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Five Arrows will play against Okayama and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: K.Takahashi 16+3reb+4ast, A.Davis 14+5reb+4ast, Y.Okada 13+1reb, Y.Ukeda 10+2reb+5ast, B.Chapman 8+6reb+2ast, M.Dama 8+6reb+3ast
Shanan Utd: M.Hughes 17+13reb+4ast, M.Phillips 16+2reb+3ast, J.Washington 14+8reb, M.Kamata 14+3reb+1ast, A.Tanno 13+1reb+1ast, A.Uchida 8+2reb

Tokushima Gam. - Shinagawa 72-86

There was a surprise result in Tokushima where Shinagawa (2-4) beat Gambarous (5-1) 86-72 on Sunday. Shinagawa outrebounded Tokushima Gam. 41-30 including a 30-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shinagawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The game was dominated by American players. It was a great evening for forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) helped adding 18 points and 11 rebounds. Shinagawa's coach Tomoro Sano allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was power forward Tavrion Dawson (202-1996, college: CSUN, agency: One Motive Sports) with 25 points and 8 rebounds and power forward Evan Maxwell (208-1995, college: IWU, agency: Players Group) scored 13 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Shinagawa will meet at home Kanazawa (#17) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Gambarous will play against Tokyo Utd (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokushima Gam.: T.Dawson 25+8reb+3ast, E.Maxwell 13+4reb, J.Diawara 10+5reb+2ast, K.Wakasa 10+1reb, S.Osaki 6+2reb, A.Kuerban 3+4reb+2ast
Shinagawa: J.Faison 26+14reb+8ast, H.Koval 18+11reb+1ast, H.Higashi 17+3reb+2ast, T.Ochiai 10+3reb+4ast, Y.Komiya 5+5reb+1ast, S.Horiuchi 3

Kanazawa - Niigata A. 89-90

Not a big story in a game in Ishikawa where Kanazawa (0-6) was edged by Niigata A. (4-2) 90-89 on Monday. Niigata A. made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for American guard Anthony Nelson (193-1998, college: Manhattan) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points and 5 assists. American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) helped adding 18 points and 6 rebounds. Niigata A.'s coach Jun Uzawa allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) with 19 points and 6 assists and the other American import forward Deandre Abram (203-1997, college: Milwaukee) scored 19 points and 7 rebounds. Four Kanazawa players scored in double figures. Niigata A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Kanazawa will play against Shinagawa (#13) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: D.Abram 19+7reb+1ast, S.Green 19+4reb+6ast, D.Kokubu 12+3reb+1ast, N.Norbertas 10+3reb+1ast, T.Kubo 9, A.Ichihashi 8+1ast
Niigata A.: A.Nelson 25+4reb+5ast, K.Hunt 18+6reb+1ast, E.Ravenel 17+6reb+1ast, K.Igarashi 8+3reb+4ast, P.Faye 6+4reb+1ast, Y.Ikeda 6