B3 League Round 5 (Regular Season): Kanazawa tries to escape the last position defeating Veertien Mie

After 5 rounds played we can already see who rules in the B3 League and who belongs to weaker ones. The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Bottom-ranked Kanazawa managed to get the second consecutive victory on Saturday night. This time they won against sixteenth-ranked Veertien Mie in Yokkaichi 72-66. And what about a second win in a row after ...eight consecutive losses. American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) stepped up and scored 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and his fellow American import forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. New Zealand center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kanazawa (2-8) moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Okayama. Veertien Mie lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with seven games lost. Kanazawa is looking forward to face Okayama (#16) on the road in the next round. Veertien Mie will play against the league's leader Kagawa and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Important game to mention about took place in Kanagawa. Ninth ranked Shanan Utd (4-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Gambarous (5-5) 67-64 on Friday evening. American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) nailed 9 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks for the winning side and Shinya Takagi accounted for 13 points. American forward Chris Olivier (202-1992, college: OK State, agency: Diamond Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds for Tokushima Gam. in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Shanan Utd have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Tokushima Gam. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with five games lost. Shanan Utd will play against higher ranked Yokohama (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tokushima Gam. will play against Yamaguchi (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Yamaguchi between Swoops and Pats Five. Eleventh ranked Swoops (4-4) got a very close victory on the road over 13th ranked Pats Five (3-7). Swoops managed to escape with a 3-point win 90-87 on Saturday evening. The best player for the winners was Ryan Logan who scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Blake Preston produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Swoops have a solid series of three victories in a row. Gifu moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Niigata A. and Tokyo Z. Yamaguchi lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Tokyo. Gifu will meet at home league's second-placed Iwate in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yamaguchi will play against Tokushima Gam. (#7) and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5: Tokyo was destroyed by Shinagawa on the opponent's court 87-68. Yokohama managed to outperform Okayama in a home game 78-67. Tokyo Z recorded a loss to Saitama on the road 79-69. Yokohama defeated Okayama on its own court 84-66. Tokushima Gam. was smashed by Shanan Utd in Kanagawa 80-61. Niigata A. was destroyed by Kagawa at home 76-96. Tokyo Z managed to outperform Saitama on the opponent's court 74-65. Niigata A. was rolled over Kagawa in a home game 64-84. Bottom-ranked Kanazawa defeated Veertien Mie on the road 86-83. Yamaguchi was beaten by Gifu on its own court 66-77. Tokyo lost to Shinagawa in a road game 76-81.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 14 points and 11 rebounds by Hayden Koval of Shinagawa.



Shinagawa - Tokyo HT 87-68

Very expected game when 13th ranked Hachioji Trains (3-7) were crushed on the road by sixth ranked Shinagawa (6-4) 87-68 on Friday. Shinagawa dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Hachioji Trains's 40. Shinagawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds. Four Shinagawa players scored in double figures. Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) produced a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Shinagawa have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Yamaguchi. Shinagawa will meet Tokyo Utd (#5) on the road in the next round. Tokyo will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shinagawa: J.Faison 23+12reb+6ast, M.Craig 15+6reb+3ast, H.Koval 12+10reb+1ast, I.Ryota 10+1reb+9ast, T.Ochiai 8+1reb+3ast, Y.Komiya 7+2reb+1ast
Tokyo HT: D.Doblas 15+10reb+1ast, T.Sullivan 13+6reb+1ast, S.Ito 7+1reb+4ast, K.Takaoka 6+2reb+2ast, Y.Oshiro 6+2reb+3ast, Y.Takahashi 6+1reb+6ast

Yokohama EX - Okayama 78-67

Very predictable result in Yokohama where second ranked Excellence (7-1) defeated 15th ranked Try Hoop (2-8) 78-67 on Friday. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. New Zealand forward Taane Samuel (200-1999) produced 17 points and guard Keisuke Takabatake (183-1990) added 7 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Yokohama maintains second place with 7-1 record behind leader Kagawa FA, which they share with Iwate. Okayama lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Kanazawa. Yokohama will meet at home Shanan Utd (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Okayama will play against Kanazawa (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: E.Williams 18+14reb+6ast, T.Boyd III 15+3reb+4ast, C.Sow 12+3reb+2ast, L.Routt 9+7reb+3ast, T.Masuko 8+3reb+3ast, T.Nishiyama 6+1reb+2ast
Okayama: T.Samuel 17+2reb+2ast, A.Murphy 11+3reb, A.Hamada 10+3reb+4ast, S.Faye 8+4reb+1ast, K.Takabatake 7+8reb+4ast, Y.Mukai 6+1reb

Shanan Utd - Tokushima Gam. 67-64

Important game to mention about took place in Kanagawa. Ninth ranked Shanan Utd (4-2) saved a 3-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Gambarous (5-5) 67-64 on Friday evening. Shanan Utd brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) nailed 9 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks for the winning side and guard Shinya Takagi (187-1997) accounted for 13 points. American forward Chris Olivier (202-1992, college: OK State, agency: Diamond Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import power forward Evan Maxwell (208-1995, college: IWU, agency: Players Group) added 9 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Tokushima Gam. in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Shanan Utd have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Tokushima Gam. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with five games lost. Shanan Utd will play against higher ranked Yokohama (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tokushima Gam. will play against Yamaguchi (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: S.Takagi 13+2reb+3ast, M.Kamata 10+3reb+1ast, A.Tanno 9+1reb+1ast, M.Hughes 9+20reb+5ast, A.Uchida 8+2reb+1ast, M.Phillips 7+5reb+3ast
Tokushima Gam.: C.Olivier 21+12reb, E.Maxwell 9+17reb+5ast, J.Diawara 9+4reb+3ast, S.Osaki 8+2reb, W.Furukawa 7+3reb, Y.Tsukamoto 5+3reb+6ast

Saitama - Tokyo Z 79-69

Not a big story in a game in Saitama where 12th ranked Earthfriends (4-4) were defeated by tenth ranked Broncos (4-6) 79-69 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American power forward Ryan Watkins (206-1991, college: Boise St., agency: Slash Sports) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Serbian-Montenegrin forward Milko Bjelica (207-1984, agency: BIG) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds. American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) added 15 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory Saitama went down to twelfth position due to points difference. Tokyo Z at the other side dropped to the ninth place with four games lost. They share the position with Niigata A. and Gifu. Saitama will meet at home higher ranked Tachikawa (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tokyo Z will play against Niigata A. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saitama: K.Matsui 16+2reb+2ast, R.Watkins 15+12reb+1ast, M.Bjelica 13+6reb+3ast, H.Shifuta 7+3reb+2ast, H.Akiyama 7+1reb+1ast, G.Sitton 6+4reb
Tokyo Z: J.Hillsman 15+5reb+1ast, J.Lampkin 14+6reb+2ast, J.Spencer 10+4reb+1ast, Z.Moore 9+2reb+2ast, M.Benlevi 8+5reb+2ast, T.Ide 6+5reb+5ast

Yokohama EX - Okayama 84-66

Everything went according to plan in Yokohama where second ranked Excellence (7-1) beat 15th ranked Try Hoop (2-8) 84-66 on Saturday. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who scored 22 points and 5 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) chipped in 17 points and 8 assists. New Zealand forward Taane Samuel (200-1999) produced 9 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and New Zealand power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) added 13 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Excellence have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Yokohama maintains second place with 7-1 record behind leader Kagawa FA, which they share with Iwate. Okayama lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with eight games lost. They share it with Kanazawa. Yokohama will meet at home Shanan Utd (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Okayama will play against Kanazawa (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 22+5reb+2ast, E.Williams 17+4reb+8ast, T.Nishiyama 14+3reb+2ast, L.Routt 8+8reb, C.Sow 6+3reb+2ast, T.Masuko 5+3reb+4ast
Okayama: S.Timmins 13+7reb+1ast, K.Takabatake 12+2reb+3ast, A.Murphy 10+6reb+2ast, T.Taisei 9+2reb+2ast, T.Samuel 9+8reb+4ast, R.Rikuto 6

Shanan Utd - Tokushima Gam. 80-61

There was a minor upset in Kanagawa where 7th ranked Gambarous (5-5) were outplayed by ninth ranked Shanan Utd (4-2) 80-61 on Saturday. Shanan Utd dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Gambarous's 26. Shanan Utd looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Shanan Utd made 9 blocks. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 15 rebounds and 6 blocks. Power forward Michael Phillips (202-1990, college: Howard) chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Chris Olivier (202-1992, college: OK State, agency: Diamond Sports) produced 19 points and 9 rebounds and power forward Evan Maxwell (208-1995, college: IWU, agency: Players Group) added 6 points and 12 rebounds respectively for the guests. Gambarous' coach rotated eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Shanan Utd have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place. Tokushima Gam. lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with five games lost. Shanan Utd will meet higher ranked Yokohama (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Tokushima Gam. will play against Yamaguchi (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: M.Hughes 20+15reb+2ast, M.Phillips 18+10reb+1ast, S.Takagi 16+5reb+5ast, S.Shigetomi 8+2reb+7ast, A.Uchida 6+1reb+1ast, A.Tanno 5+1ast
Tokushima Gam.: C.Olivier 19+9reb+2ast, K.Naito 9+2reb+1ast, E.Maxwell 6+12reb+2ast, A.Kuerban 6, Y.Tsukamoto 5+2reb+7ast, K.Stockman Jr. 5+2reb+4ast

Niigata A. - Kagawa FA 76-96

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Five Arrows (8-2) outleveled on the road 9th ranked Niigata A. (4-4) 96-76 on Saturday. Kagawa made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. Kagawa looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-1996, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Five Arrows players scored in double figures. American guard Anthony Nelson (193-1998, college: Manhattan) produced 22 points and 8 assists and American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows have a solid series of four victories in a row. Kagawa keeps a position of league leader. Niigata A. at the other side keeps the ninth place with four games lost. They share the position with Tokyo Z and Gifu. Kagawa will meet at home bottom-ranked Veertien Mie (#17) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Niigata A. will play against Tokyo Z (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: K.Takahashi 17+1reb, M.Dama 17+7reb+4ast, B.Chapman 17+10reb+7ast, Y.Okada 13+4reb, I.Takahashi 10+4reb+4ast, R.Mitsuo 6+1reb+3ast
Niigata A.: A.Nelson 22+4reb+8ast, K.Hunt 19+5reb, E.Ravenel 13+9reb, K.Ohya 6+3reb, K.Igarashi 6+2reb+3ast, P.Faye 4+4reb

Veertien Mie - Kanazawa 66-72

Bottom-ranked Kanazawa managed to get the second consecutive victory on Saturday night. This time they won against sixteenth-ranked Veertien Mie in Yokkaichi 72-66. And what about a second win in a row after ...eight consecutive losses. American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) stepped up and scored 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and his fellow American import forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX) chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds. New Zealand center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds and guard Yasuyuki Miyazaki (170-1986) scored 14 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kanazawa (2-8) moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Okayama. Veertien Mie lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with seven games lost. Kanazawa is looking forward to face Okayama (#16) on the road in the next round. Veertien Mie will play against the league's leader Kagawa and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: S.Green 25+8reb+6ast, K.Kotzur 17+10reb+1ast, A.Ichihashi 11+3reb+2ast, T.Kubo 7+1ast, K.Higashino 5, S.Tanaka 5+4reb+1ast
Veertien Mie: C.McRae 19+10reb+1ast, Y.Miyazaki 14+2reb+1ast, T.Sawaki 8, S.Mizoguchi 6+1reb, D.Kawata 5+5reb+2ast, T.Kume 4

Yamaguchi - Gifu 87-90

A very close game took place in Yamaguchi between Swoops and Pats Five. Eleventh ranked Swoops (4-4) got a very close victory on the road over 13th ranked Pats Five (3-7). Swoops managed to escape with a 3-point win 90-87 on Saturday evening. Gifu looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American forward Ryan Logan (200-1994, college: Stonehill) who scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. New Zealand forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: SMC) chipped in 18 points (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!). Four Swoops players scored in double figures. American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Swoops have a solid series of three victories in a row. Gifu moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Niigata A. and Tokyo Z. Yamaguchi lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Tokyo. Gifu will meet at home league's second-placed Iwate in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yamaguchi will play against Tokushima Gam. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: D.Fotu 18+2reb+1ast, M.Koga 16+2reb+1ast, E.Iwamatsu 15+1reb+2ast, R.Logan 14+6reb+6ast, Z.Edosomwan 8+3reb+2ast, A.Sambou 8+3reb
Yamaguchi: B.Preston 18+14reb+4ast, I.Tomida 18, A.Collum 17+5reb+2ast, Y.Shigetomi 9+2reb+4ast, R.Yamaguchi 9+5reb+3ast, F.McSwain Jr. 6+2reb+2ast

Saitama - Tokyo Z 65-74

There was a minor upset in Saitama where 10th ranked Broncos (4-6) were defeated by twelfth ranked Earthfriends (4-4) 74-65 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. His fellow American import forward Malik Benlevi (198-1997, college: Georgia St.) chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Benlevi is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Earthfriends players scored in double figures. The former international guard Keijuro Matsui (188-1985, college: Columbia) produced 16 points and American Grant Sitton (206-1993, college: Victoria) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo Z moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Niigata A. and Gifu. Saitama at the other side dropped to the twelfth position with six games lost. Tokyo Z will meet at home Niigata A. (#10) in the next round. Saitama will play against Tachikawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: M.Benlevi 17+5reb, J.Lampkin 14+12reb+1ast, J.Hillsman 13+5reb+2ast, T.Ide 11+1reb+5ast, Z.Moore 9+6reb+1ast, J.Spencer 8+4reb
Saitama: K.Matsui 16+4reb+3ast, G.Sitton 12+7reb+2ast, R.Watkins 11+3reb+2ast, M.Bjelica 9+7reb+1ast, H.Shifuta 7+1reb+1ast, F.Sato 4+4reb

Niigata A. - Kagawa FA 64-84

Very predictable result when third ranked Five Arrows (8-2) smashed on the road 9th ranked Niigata A. (4-4) 84-64 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) who scored 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-1996, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) chipped in 12 points and 9 rebounds. American guard Anthony Nelson (193-1998, college: Manhattan) produced 14 points and 4 assists and American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Five Arrows have a solid series of four victories in a row. Kagawa keeps a position of league leader. Niigata A. at the other side keeps the ninth place with four games lost. They share the position with Tokyo Z and Gifu. Kagawa will meet at home bottom-ranked Veertien Mie (#17) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Niigata A. will play against Tokyo Z (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: B.Chapman 15+6reb+4ast, K.Takahashi 14+5reb, I.Takahashi 13+1reb, M.Dama 12+9reb+3ast, Y.Ukeda 8+1reb+3ast, A.Davis 7+8reb+2ast
Niigata A.: A.Nelson 14+2reb+4ast, E.Ravenel 11+6reb+1ast, A.Higuchi 10, K.Hunt 10+6reb+2ast, K.Igarashi 9+5reb+4ast, K.Ohya 5+1reb

Veertien Mie - Kanazawa 83-86

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams in Yokkaichi where 16th ranked Veertien Mie (1-7) was edged by seventeenth ranked Kanazawa (2-8) 86-83 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) who scored 28 points and 4 steals. His fellow American import forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds. Four Kanazawa players scored in double figures. American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and guard Yasuyuki Miyazaki (170-1986) added 18 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Veertien Mie's coach Masao Kuda tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Kanazawa moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Okayama. Veertien Mie lost seventh consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with seven games lost. Kanazawa will meet Okayama (#16) on the road in the next round. Veertien Mie will play against the league's leader Kagawa and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: S.Green 28+4reb+1ast, D.Kokubu 17+2reb, A.Ichihashi 10+2reb+1ast, K.Higashino 10+3ast, K.Kotzur 10+10reb+2ast, N.Norbertas 4+9reb+1ast
Veertien Mie: C.Maduabum 18+2reb+1ast, Y.Miyazaki 18+6reb+2ast, D.Dodd 17+12reb+1ast, C.McRae 8+6reb+2ast, S.Mizoguchi 7+1reb+1ast, T.Sawaki 5+1ast

Yamaguchi - Gifu 66-77

Everything went according to plan in Yamaguchi where eleventh ranked Swoops (4-4) beat 13th ranked Pats Five (3-7) 77-66 on Sunday. Gifu had a 34-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Morito Koga (190-1998) who scored 15 points. Point guard Kaisei Takahashi (175-2003) chipped in 12 points and 5 assists. American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Rikiya Yamaguchi (180-1996) added 13 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Swoops have a solid series of three victories in a row. Gifu moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Niigata A. and Tokyo Z. Yamaguchi lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Tokyo. Gifu will meet at home league's second-placed Iwate in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Yamaguchi will play against Tokushima Gam. (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: M.Koga 15+3reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 12+2reb+5ast, A.Sambou 10+4reb+1ast, D.Fotu 9+7reb, Z.Edosomwan 9+7reb, E.Iwamatsu 9+4reb+4ast
Yamaguchi: R.Yamaguchi 13+3reb+2ast, B.Preston 13+10reb+3ast, R.Suehiro 9+1reb, K.Kawakami 8+3reb+2ast, C.Kurihara 6+1reb, A.Collum 6+6reb+2ast

Shinagawa - Tokyo HT 81-76

There was no surprise when 13th ranked Hachioji Trains (3-7) were defeated on the road by sixth ranked Shinagawa (6-4) 81-76 on Saturday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Shinagawa forced 20 Tokyo turnovers. The best player for the winners was American swingman Michael Craig (196-1991, college: Southern Miss) who scored 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. His fellow American import center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. Four Shinagawa players scored in double figures. American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) produced 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Spanish center David Doblas (208-1981) added 13 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists respectively for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Shinagawa have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They moved-up to fourth place. Tokyo lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Yamaguchi. Shinagawa will meet Tokyo Utd (#5) on the road in the next round. Tokyo will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Shinagawa: M.Craig 16+5reb+6ast, J.Faison 14+6reb+2ast, H.Koval 14+11reb+1ast, H.Higashi 11+1reb+2ast, I.Ryota 9+3reb+2ast, H.Yamane 8+1reb
Tokyo HT: T.Sullivan 27+7reb+5ast, D.Doblas 13+13reb+7ast, K.Takahashi 10+1reb, H.Ogane 8+2reb, Y.Oshiro 7+2reb+2ast, Y.Takahashi 5+3reb+5ast