B3 League Round 12 (Regular Season): Kagawa edge Iwate by three points

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Fourth-ranked Big Bulls (14-8) made lots of trouble for second ranked Five Arrows (19-3) in Iwate on Sunday. The visitors from Takamatsu managed to secure only three-point victory 68-65. However their fans expected easier game. 24 personal fouls committed by Iwate helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. The other American import forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in 15 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Efe Odigie (206-1999, college: SMU, agency: Diamond Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 19 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kagawa maintains second position with 19-3 record behind leader Yokohama EX. Iwate at the other side keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. Kagawa are looking forward to face Tokyo Utd (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Iwate will play against Gifu and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Important game to mention about took place in Shinagawa. Fifth ranked Earthfriends (13-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Shinagawa (13-8) 65-62 on Saturday evening. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 17 rebounds. Jaycee Hillsman contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for Shinagawa. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Tokyo Z went down to sixth position due to points difference. Shinagawa at the other side dropped to the fifth place with eight games lost. Tokyo Z will play against Yamaguchi (#12) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Shinagawa will play against Veertien Mie (#16) in Yokkaichi and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Five Arrows (19-3) against fourth ranked Big Bulls (14-8) on Saturday night. Visiting Five Arrows were defeated by Big Bulls in Iwate 71-58. Worth to mention a great performance of Efe Odigie who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Muusa Dama with 6 points and 15 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Iwate maintains fourth position with 14-8 record. Loser Five Arrows keeps the second place with three games lost. Iwate will meet at home Gifu (#7) in the next round. Kagawa will play against Tokyo Utd (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 12 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Tokyo Z was defeated by Shinagawa in a road game 69-64. Tokyo beat Shanan Utd at home 77-69. Niigata A. won against Okayama on the opponent's court 77-67. Tokyo Utd managed to outperform Gifu in a home game 90-73. Yokohama managed to beat Tachikawa on the road 84-78. Tokyo defeated Shanan Utd on its own court 91-73. Veertien Mie smashed Kanazawa in Yokkaichi 70-47. Okayama lost to Niigata A. at home 65-76. Saitama managed to outperform Yamaguchi on the opponent's court 98-91. Tokyo Utd managed to beat Gifu in a home game 91-78. Yokohama defeated Tachikawa on the road 92-76. Kanazawa beat Veertien Mie on its own court 79-66. Saitama won against Yamaguchi in a road game 83-71.



Shinagawa - Tokyo Z 69-64

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 5th ranked Earthfriends (13-9) were defeated on the road by sixth ranked Shinagawa (13-8) 69-64 on Sunday. Shinagawa dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Earthfriends's 20. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds and center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) who added 8 points and 16 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) with 20 points and 6 rebounds and forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) scored 8 points and 12 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Shinagawa moved-up to fifth place. Loser Earthfriends dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. Shinagawa will meet Veertien Mie (#16) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Tokyo Z will play against Yamaguchi (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tokyo Z: J.Hillsman 20+6reb+2ast, Z.Moore 15+5reb+1ast, J.Lampkin 8+12reb+2ast, S.Shimodaira 6+1reb+1ast, M.Benlevi 4+9reb+2ast, J.Spencer 3+1reb+2ast
Shinagawa: J.Faison 26+11reb+3ast, I.Ryota 17+1reb+1ast, H.Higashi 9+1reb, H.Koval 8+16reb+1ast, K.Ogata 3+2reb, H.Yamane 2+1reb+2ast

Tokyo HT - Shanan Utd 77-69

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Tokyo where fifteenth ranked Hachioji Trains (7-15) defeated 14th ranked Shanan Utd (6-14) 77-69 on Friday. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and guard Hiroya Ogane (180-1989) who added 9 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Hachioji Trains' coach Rikio Miki used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks and South Korean power forward Hee Hyeon Jung (203-2000) scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Tokyo moved-up to fourteenth place. Shanan Utd lost ninth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth position with 14 games lost. Tokyo will meet higher ranked Tokushima Gam. (#10) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shanan Utd will play against Tachikawa (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: M.Hughes 22+16reb+2ast, H.Hyeon Jung 18+8reb+1ast, A.Tanno 10+6ast, S.Shigetomi 7+2reb+2ast, R.Hoshino 5+1reb+4ast, S.Takagi 4+5reb+2ast
Tokyo HT: T.Sullivan 15+11reb+2ast, Y.Oshiro 13+2reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 12+2reb+3ast, H.Ogane 9+6reb+3ast, L.Gill 8+6reb, S.Ito 6+5ast

Okayama - Niigata A. 67-77

Very expected game in Okayama where 16th ranked Try Hoop (3-22) was defeated by eighth ranked Niigata A. (11-11) 77-67 on Friday. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds and American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) who added 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Niigata A. players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was center Samba Faye (205-1987) with 10 points and 8 rebounds and New Zealand power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Niigata A. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighth position with 11-11 record. Okayama lost thirteenth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom. Niigata A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Okayama will play against Saitama (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Okayama: S.Timmins 12+5reb+2ast, S.Faye 10+8reb+1ast, Y.Mukai 9+1reb, A.Murphy 8+5reb+1ast, A.Hamada 8+3ast, H.Moriguchi 6+3reb+1ast
Niigata A.: E.Ravenel 19+7reb+2ast, A.Higuchi 17+1reb+4ast, T.Kawamura 14+4reb+1ast, K.Hunt 12+10reb, Y.Ueta 5+2reb, D.Tomioka 4+1reb

Iwate - Kagawa FA 71-58

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Five Arrows (19-3) against fourth ranked Big Bulls (14-8) on Saturday night. Visiting Five Arrows were defeated by Big Bulls in Iwate 71-58. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Efe Odigie (206-1999, college: SMU, agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 14 rebounds and point guard Harumichi Ishikawa (170-1999) who added 20 points during the contest. Four Big Bulls players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Beninese power forward Muusa Dama (207-1996, college: EIU, agency: Blacktop Management) with 6 points and 15 rebounds and point guard Katsumi Takahashi (180-2000) scored 11 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Iwate maintains fourth position with 14-8 record. Loser Five Arrows keeps the second place with three games lost. Iwate will meet at home Gifu (#7) in the next round. Kagawa will play against Tokyo Utd (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kagawa FA: K.Takahashi 11+1reb+3ast, R.Mitsuo 8+2reb+1ast, Y.Okada 8+2reb, A.Davis 7+3reb+3ast, M.Dama 6+15reb+2ast, Y.Ukeda 5+2reb+3ast
Iwate: H.Ishikawa 20+3reb+3ast, Y.Makanae 15+1reb+1ast, E.Odigie 12+14reb+2ast, S.Goto 10+5reb+3ast, G.Beverly 6+5reb+2ast, C.Mbodj 4+4reb+1ast

Tokyo Utd - Gifu 90-73

Rather predictable result in Tokyo where third ranked United (18-2) beat 7th ranked Swoops (12-10) 90-73 on Saturday. Tokyo Utd made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game, while Gifu only scored three points from the stripe. Tokyo Utd forced 20 Gifu turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and point guard Hajime Imabayashi (184-1999) who added 21 points during the contest. Five United players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Kenshin Urabe (189-1995) with 30 points and American forward Ryan Logan (200-1994, college: Stonehill) scored 4 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. United have an impressive 13-game winning streak. Tokyo Utd maintains third position with 18-2 record having 2 victories less than leader Yokohama EX. Loser Swoops keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Tokyo Utd will meet league's second-placed Kagawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gifu will play against Iwate (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: K.Urabe 30+2reb+2ast, M.Koga 8+3reb, A.Sambou 8+7reb, H.Cort 8+1reb+6ast, D.Fotu 6+2reb+1ast, E.Iwamatsu 5+3reb+1ast
Tokyo Utd: H.Imabayashi 21+1reb+2ast, R.Vague 16+3reb+3ast, D.Taguchi 12+1reb+3ast, R.Gustys 12+12reb+2ast, M.Nagao 11+4ast, B.Glorida 7+1reb

Tachikawa - Yokohama EX 78-84

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Tachikawa (9-11) was defeated at home by first ranked Excellence (20-2) 84-78 on Saturday. Yokohama looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Logan Routt (211-1997, college: WVU, agency: Diamond Sports) who added 13 points and 18 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Jailyn Ingram (201-1997, college: Georgia) scored 17 points. Four Tachikawa players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Yokohama maintains first position with 20-2 record. Loser Tachikawa dropped to the eleventh place with 11 games lost. Yokohama will meet Kanazawa (#13) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Tachikawa will play against Shanan Utd and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: J.Ingram 17+4reb+1ast, J.Bruner 14+5reb+2ast, A.Fitzgerald 14+11reb+4ast, M.Sato 13+2reb, K.Takano 9+4reb+7ast, O.Mori 6+1reb+5ast
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 25+7reb+5ast, E.Williams 16+7reb+4ast, L.Routt 13+18reb+1ast, T.Masuko 8+3reb+4ast, H.Ohashi 7+1reb+2ast, Y.Sugiyama 5+1ast

Tokyo HT - Shanan Utd 91-73

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Tokyo where fifteenth ranked Hachioji Trains (7-15) won against 14th ranked Shanan Utd (6-14) 91-73 on Saturday. Tokyo dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Shanan Utd's 22. They outrebounded Shanan Utd 32-21 including 24 on the defensive glass. Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Taren Sullivan (198-1995, college: Findlay, OH) who helped to win the game recording 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and the other American import forward LG Gill (203-1994, college: Maryland) who added 15 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Gill 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 Aiki Tanno (172-1995) with 19 points and American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) scored 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tokyo moved-up to fourteenth place. Shanan Utd lost ninth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth position with 14 games lost. Tokyo will meet higher ranked Tokushima Gam. (#10) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Shanan Utd will play against Tachikawa (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shanan Utd: A.Tanno 19+2reb+3ast, M.Hughes 11+7reb+5ast, S.Takagi 10, S.Shigetomi 9+2reb+4ast, T.Ishii 9+1reb+2ast, H.Hyeon Jung 8+5reb
Tokyo HT: T.Sullivan 19+7reb+5ast, L.Gill 15+9reb+1ast, S.Ito 14+2reb+2ast, D.Doblas 9+2reb, Y.Oshiro 7+2reb+5ast, H.Ogane 7+1reb+2ast

Kanazawa - Veertien Mie 47-70

There was a minor upset in Ishikawa where 14th ranked Kanazawa (8-16) was crushed by sixteenth ranked Veertien Mie (3-17) 70-47 on Saturday. Veertien Mie dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Kanazawa's 24. Worth to mention a great performance of New Zealand center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) who added 11 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Four Veertien Mie players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Steven Green (196-1993, college: OKBU) with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds and Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) scored 6 points and 8 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. Veertien Mie maintains sixteenth position with 3-17 record. Kanazawa lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the thirteenth place with 16 games lost. Veertien Mie will meet at home higher ranked Shinagawa (#5) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Kanazawa will play against the league's leader Yokohama (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Kanazawa: S.Green 23+12reb+3ast, D.Kokubu 9+3reb+1ast, V.Petrov 6+8reb+2ast, K.Takahashi 4+4reb+1ast, A.Ichihashi 3+2reb+1ast, S.Song 2+2reb
Veertien Mie: C.McRae 15+14reb+2ast, Y.Miyazaki 14+1reb+3ast, D.Dodd 11+9reb+3ast, C.Maduabum 10+5reb+1ast, T.Sawaki 8+2reb, A.Philip 5+3reb+2ast

Okayama - Niigata A. 65-76

No shocking result in a game in Okayama where eighth ranked Niigata A. (11-11) defeated bottom-ranked Try Hoop (3-22) 76-65 on Saturday. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Evan Ravenel (204-1989, college: Ohio St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points and 15 rebounds and American-Jamaican power forward Kyle Hunt (208-1989, college: USAO, agency: BIG) who added 23 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was point guard Aruma Hamada (178-1997) with 17 points and 7 assists and New Zealand power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) scored 14 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Niigata A. have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighth position with 11-11 record. Okayama lost thirteenth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom. Niigata A. will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Okayama will play against Saitama (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Okayama: A.Hamada 17+4reb+7ast, S.Timmins 14+9reb+2ast, M.Fofana 12+3reb, A.Murphy 6+5reb+4ast, R.Rikuto 6, S.Faye 5+4reb
Niigata A.: K.Hunt 23+9reb, E.Ravenel 22+15reb+3ast, T.Kawamura 8+2ast, Y.Ikeda 6, A.Higuchi 4+5reb+4ast, Y.Ueta 4+1reb+1ast

Yamaguchi - Saitama 91-98

Everything could happen in Yamaguchi at the game between two tied teams. Both twelfth ranked Broncos and 11th ranked Pats Five had identical 9-12 record. But Pats Five was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Saitama 98-91 on Saturday night. Saitama made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Ryan Watkins (206-1991, college: Boise St., agency: Slash Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points and 15 rebounds and point guard Kentaro Yoshida (173-1995) who added 27 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American Freddie McSwain Jr (201-1994, college: Indiana, agency: Haylett Sports) with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and his fellow American import forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) scored 17 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Broncos have a solid four-game winning streak. Saitama (10-12) moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Tokushima Gam. Yamaguchi lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 13 games lost. Saitama will meet at home bottom-ranked Okayama (#17) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Yamaguchi will play against Tokyo Z (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamaguchi: B.Preston 17+9reb+1ast, F.McSwain Jr. 17+7reb+5ast, A.Collum 12+8reb+1ast, P.Sejin 10+5reb, I.Tomida 9+2reb+2ast, R.Yamaguchi 9+1reb
Saitama: K.Yoshida 27+2ast, R.Watkins 19+15reb+2ast, K.Matsui 18+1ast, H.Akiyama 16+1reb+6ast, M.Bjelica 8+5reb+1ast, R.Kawabe 4+3reb+1ast

Iwate - Kagawa FA 65-68

Fourth-ranked Big Bulls (14-8) made lots of trouble for second ranked Five Arrows (19-3) in Iwate on Sunday. The visitors from Takamatsu managed to secure only three-point victory 68-65. However their fans expected easier game. 24 personal fouls committed by Iwate helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American power forward Brekkott Chapman (206-1996, college: Weber St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. The other American import forward Alex Davis (206-1992, college: Fresno St., agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in 15 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Efe Odigie (206-1999, college: SMU, agency: Diamond Sports) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 19 rebounds and point guard Harumichi Ishikawa (170-1999) added 13 points and 6 assists respectively. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Kagawa maintains second position with 19-3 record behind leader Yokohama EX. Iwate at the other side keeps the fourth place with eight games lost. Kagawa are looking forward to face Tokyo Utd (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Iwate will play against Gifu and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Iwate: E.Odigie 25+19reb, H.Ishikawa 13+6ast, Y.Makanae 8+1ast, K.Monma 7+3reb+2ast, G.Beverly 6+3reb+3ast, S.Goto 4+1reb+1ast
Kagawa FA: B.Chapman 16+13reb+3ast, A.Davis 15+3reb+3ast, Y.Okada 9+2reb, I.Takahashi 8+1reb, K.Takahashi 7+4reb+1ast, Y.Ukeda 7+4reb+4ast

Tokyo Utd - Gifu 91-78

Rather predictable result in Tokyo where third ranked United (18-2) beat 7th ranked Swoops (12-10) 91-78 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Lithuanian power forward Rokas Gustys (206-1994, college: Hofstra) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds and point guard Mitsuki Nagao (174-1999) who added 14 points and 6 assists during the contest. Five United players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Ryan Logan (200-1994, college: Stonehill) with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and his fellow American import power forward Zena Edosomwan (206-1993, college: Harvard, agency: Diamond Sports) scored 12 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. United have an impressive 13-game winning streak. Tokyo Utd maintains third position with 18-2 record having 2 victories less than leader Yokohama EX. Loser Swoops keeps the seventh place with ten games lost. Tokyo Utd will meet league's second-placed Kagawa in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gifu will play against Iwate (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Gifu: M.Koga 14+3reb+2ast, R.Logan 12+5reb+6ast, Z.Edosomwan 12+6reb+2ast, K.Urabe 12+2reb, A.Sambou 10+3reb, D.Fotu 9+4reb+3ast
Tokyo Utd: R.Kawashima 19+1reb, M.Nagao 14+3reb+6ast, R.Gustys 14+11reb, R.Vague 10+4reb+2ast, A.Chol 10+2reb, K.Ogura 9

Tachikawa - Yokohama EX 76-92

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Tachikawa (9-11) was defeated at home by first ranked Excellence (20-2) 92-76 on Sunday. Yokohama forced 19 Tachikawa turnovers. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Tray Boyd III (193-1998, college: ETSU) who helped to win the game recording 40 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Elyjah Williams (201-1998, college: Northwestern) who added 21 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Excellence's coach Ryuji Kawai used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was power forward Andrew Fitzgerald (202-1990, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!) and 10 rebounds and forward Jailyn Ingram (201-1997, college: Georgia) scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Yokohama maintains first position with 20-2 record. Loser Tachikawa dropped to the eleventh place with 11 games lost. Yokohama will meet Kanazawa (#13) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Tachikawa will play against Shanan Utd and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tachikawa: A.Fitzgerald 33+10reb+2ast, J.Ingram 13+5reb+4ast, O.Mori 10+1reb+4ast, J.Bruner 9+9reb+1ast, J.Machii 5+1reb+2ast, T.Morimoto 2+2reb
Yokohama EX: T.Boyd III 40+5reb+5ast, E.Williams 21+10reb+2ast, L.Routt 18+8reb+3ast, T.Masuko 6+1reb+4ast, C.Sow 5+3reb+1ast, T.Nishiyama 2+1reb

Kanazawa - Veertien Mie 79-66

Everything went according to plan in Ishikawa where fourteenth ranked Kanazawa (8-16) won against 16th ranked Veertien Mie (3-17) 79-66 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Ukrainian center Viacheslav Petrov (204-1994, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Kevin Kotzur (203-1989, college: St.Mary's, TX) who added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Kanazawa players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Yasuyuki Miyazaki (170-1986) with 15 points and 4 assists and American power forward Damonte Dodd (211-1994, college: Maryland) scored 10 points and 9 rebounds. Veertien Mie's coach Masao Kuda rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Kanazawa moved-up to thirteenth place. Loser Veertien Mie keeps the sixteenth position with 17 games lost. Kanazawa will meet at home league's leader Yokohama in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Veertien Mie will play against Shinagawa (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Veertien Mie: Y.Miyazaki 15+2reb+4ast, D.Dodd 10+9reb+1ast, C.McRae 10+4reb+1ast, C.Maduabum 7+5reb, S.Hagihara 6+1ast, A.Philip 5+1reb+1ast
Kanazawa: V.Petrov 21+12reb+4ast, K.Takahashi 20+2reb+1ast, Y.Hanada 14+1ast, K.Kotzur 13+6reb+4ast, D.Kokubu 3+1reb, A.Ichihashi 3+1reb

Yamaguchi - Saitama 71-83

Everything could happen in Yamaguchi at the game between two tied teams. Both twelfth ranked Broncos and 11th ranked Pats Five had identical 9-12 record. But Pats Five was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Saitama 83-71 on Sunday night. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Keijuro Matsui (188-1985, college: Columbia) who helped to win the game recording 19 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and American Grant Sitton (206-1993, college: Victoria) who added 15 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Blake Preston (206-2000, college: Northwestern) with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import center Antavion Collum (206-2000, college: McNeese St.) scored 12 points and 7 rebounds. Five Yamaguchi players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Broncos have a solid four-game winning streak. Saitama (10-12) moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Tokushima Gam. Yamaguchi lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the twelfth position with 13 games lost. Saitama will meet at home bottom-ranked Okayama (#17) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Yamaguchi will play against Tokyo Z (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yamaguchi: B.Preston 13+10reb+4ast, F.McSwain Jr. 13+7reb, A.Collum 12+7reb+2ast, R.Yamaguchi 10+2reb+1ast, I.Tomida 10+4reb+1ast, Y.Shigetomi 7
Saitama: K.Matsui 19+1reb+1ast, G.Sitton 15+3reb+2ast, H.Akiyama 10+4reb, S.Imaike 9, K.Yoshida 8+1reb+5ast, R.Watkins 6+7reb

Shinagawa - Tokyo Z 62-65

Important game to mention about took place in Shinagawa. Fifth ranked Earthfriends (13-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Shinagawa (13-8) 65-62 on Saturday evening. The game was dominated by American players. It was a good game for forward Jacob Lampkin (206-1996, college: Alaska-Anch.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 17 rebounds. Guard Jaycee Hillsman (200-1996, college: Illinois St.) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Forward Jordan Faison (201-1994, college: CPP) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists and center Hayden Koval (216-1997, college: Cincinnati, agency: Diamond Sports) added 13 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Shinagawa. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Tokyo Z went down to sixth position due to points difference. Shinagawa at the other side dropped to the fifth place with eight games lost. Tokyo Z will play against Yamaguchi (#12) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Shinagawa will play against Veertien Mie (#16) in Yokkaichi and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Shinagawa: H.Koval 13+6reb+1ast, T.Ochiai 10+3reb+1ast, J.Faison 10+13reb+6ast, I.Ryota 7+2ast, H.Yamane 5+1reb+3ast, Y.Komiya 5+1reb+1ast
Tokyo Z: J.Lampkin 20+17reb+3ast, J.Hillsman 18+6reb+2ast, M.Benlevi 10+6reb+2ast, Z.Moore 5+3reb+2ast, Y.Takemoto 4+1reb+1ast, J.Spencer 3+4reb+1ast