B1 League Round 44 (Regular Season): San-en NP defeat Tochigi Brex

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Tochigi Brex (36-8) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by San-en NP (38-5) 105-89. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Tochigi Brex. San-en NP dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tochigi Brex's 32 and made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Tochigi Brex helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. International swingman Hirotaka Yoshii (196-1998) contributed with 24 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. San-en NP's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists for Tochigi Brex. San-en NP maintains first position with 38-5 record which they share with defeated Tochigi Brex. Tochigi Brex at the other side still keeps top place with eight games lost. San-en NP are looking forward to face Sunrockers Sh. (#5) in Tokyo in the next round. Tochigi Brex will play at home against Sendai 89ers (#8) and is hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Golden Kings (31-13) which played road game in Kariya against 3rd ranked SeaHorses (29-15). First ranked Golden Kings managed to get a 9-point victory 85-76. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) and Alex Kirk who added 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds. SeaHorses' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Golden Kings have a solid three-game winning streak. Ryukyu maintains first position with 31-13 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Sea Horses M. at the other side keeps the third place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Chiba Jets. Ryukyu will play against Kawasaki (#8) in Kanagawa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sea Horses M. will play on the road against FE Nagoya (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game for Magic (28-16) which played road game in Tokyo against 4th ranked SunRockers (24-20). Second ranked Magic had an easy win 85-61. The winners were led by Seiya Ando who scored that evening 34 points (!!!). Magic's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 21 points by Anthony Clemmons did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. Shimane SM maintains second position with 28-16 record having nine points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Loser SunRockers dropped to the fifth place with 20 games lost. Shimane SM will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 44: FE Nagoya was beaten by Akita NH on the road 81-70. Kawasaki lost to Osaka E. on its own court 78-85. Koshigaya A. unfortunately lost to Gunma CT in a road game 57-62. Hiroshima D. managed to beat Sendai 89ers at home 94-84. Nagoya DD crushed Hokkaido L. on the opponent's court 81-61. Ibaraki R. was beaten by Alvark Tokyo in a home game 86-90. Nagasaki destroyed Kyoto H. on the road 84-63. Shiga L-Stars unfortunately lost to Chiba Jets on its own court 80-95. Saga B. managed to beat Yokohama BC in a road game 93-82.
The most impressive performance of 44th round was 27 points and 20 rebounds by Yoeli Childs of Saga B..



Akita NH - FE Nagoya 81-70

Everything could happen in Akita at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Happinets and 6th ranked Fighting Eagles had identical 20-23 record. This time Happinets used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Nagoya 81-70 on Sunday night. Akita NH looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by FE Nagoya's players. The winners were led by point guard Takuya Nakayama (182-1994) who scored that evening 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and French power forward Yannis Morin (208-1993, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Happinets players scored in double figures. Even 28 points by American forward Aaron Henry (198-1999, college: Michigan St., agency: Diamond Sports) did not help to save the game for FE Nagoya. His fellow American import power forward Sean OMara (208-1995, college: Xavier) added 6 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Akita NH maintains fourth position with 21-23 record, which they share with Hiroshima D. and Nagasaki. Loser Fighting Eagles keeps the sixth place with 24 games lost. Akita NH will meet Ibaraki R. (#7) in the next round. FE Nagoya will play against Sea Horses M. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
FE Nagoya: A.Henry 28+4reb+1ast, R.Yasuoka 9+1reb+2ast, F.Olujobi 8+3reb+1ast, N.Namizato 7+3ast, S.O'Mara 6+7reb+3ast, R.Sadohara 6+3reb
Akita NH: S.Taguchi 18+3ast, C.Mekowulu 16+2reb+1ast, T.Nakayama 15+5reb+6ast, Y.Morin 12+9reb+4ast, M.Gadiaga 12+2reb+5ast, A.Oguri 3+2reb+2ast

Kawasaki BT - Osaka E. 78-85

Very expected game when 8th ranked Brave Thunders (14-30) lost to third ranked Osaka E. (23-21) in Kanagawa 78-85 on Sunday. Osaka E. outrebounded Kawasaki 42-29 including 31 on the defensive glass. Osaka E. looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by Ukrainian center Volodymyr Herun (208-1994, college: Portland) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds and American forward Matt Bonds (196-1995, college: St.Michael's) supported him with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Four Osaka E. players scored in double figures. Even 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by Hungarian-American Rosco Allen (208-1993, college: Stanford, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Kawasaki. British-American power forward Sacha Killeya-Jones (212-1998, college: NC State) added 21 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Osaka E. maintains third position with 23-21 record having fourteen points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Loser Brave Thunders dropped to the sixth place with 30 games lost. They share the position with Koshigaya A.. Osaka E. will meet at home Yokohama BC (#7) in the next round. Kawasaki will play against the league's leader Ryukyu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kawasaki BT: R.Allen 22+7reb+1ast, S.Killeya-Jones 21+7reb, M.Wright 10+5reb+4ast, R.Nozaki 9+1reb+1ast, R.Yonesu 8+3reb+5ast, A.Johnson 5+3reb+5ast
Osaka E.: V.Herun 25+11reb+2ast, M.Bonds 23+6reb+1ast, R.Luther 12+4reb+2ast, F.Iio 10+5reb+1ast, R.Parks 6+8reb+3ast, T.Suzuki 4+2reb+2ast

Gunma CT - Koshigaya A. 62-57

Rather predictable result when second ranked Thunders (31-13) won against 6th ranked Alphas (14-30) in Gunma 62-57 on Sunday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The winners were led by naturalized American forward Michael Parker (200-1981, college: Evergreen St.) who scored that evening 19 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Trey McKinney-Jones (198-1990, college: Miami, FL) supported him with 11 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Even 18 points and 6 rebounds by Brazilian-American center Tim Soares (211-1997, college: Master's) did not help to save the game for Koshigaya A.. Point guard Shun Matsuyama (175-1996) added 9 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Gunma CT keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Ryukyu. Koshigaya A. lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the sixth place with 30 games lost. They share the position with Kawasaki. Gunma CT will meet Hokkaido L. (#5) in the next round. Koshigaya A. will play against Chiba Jets and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koshigaya A.: T.Soares 18+6reb+2ast, L.Peak 10+1reb+2ast, R.Sasakura 9+3reb+1ast, S.Matsuyama 9+5reb+2ast, K.Richardson 5+5reb, K.Shike 3
Gunma CT: M.Parker 19+6reb+1ast, T.McKinney-Jones 11+4reb+6ast, N.Tsuji 9+1reb+3ast, Y.Fujii 6+2reb+2ast, K.Hosokawa 6+3reb, J.Thiemann 5+9reb+3ast

Hiroshima D. - Sendai 89ers 94-84

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked 89ers (8-36) lost to sixth ranked Dragonflies (21-23) in Hiroshima 84-94 on Sunday. Hiroshima D. made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by American forward Dwayne Evans (201-1992, college: St.Louis, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored that evening 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward Kerry Blackshear Jr (208-1997, college: Florida) supported him with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds by American Nathan Boothe (208-1994, college: Toledo) did not help to save the game for Sendai 89ers. Guard Yasunori Aoki (182-1995) added 15 points and 6 assists for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hiroshima D. moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH and Nagasaki. Sendai 89ers lost thirteenth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 36 games lost. They share it with Ibaraki R.. Hiroshima D. will meet Nagasaki (#6) on the road in the next round. Sendai 89ers will play against the league's leader Tochigi Brex and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sendai 89ers: Y.Aoki 15+1reb+6ast, C.Felicio 13+2reb+2ast, S.Kidd 12+5reb+4ast, N.Boothe 10+12reb+2ast, S.Watanabe 9+5reb+1ast, M.Kataoka 8+1reb
Hiroshima D.: D.Evans 20+7reb+5ast, K.Blackshear Jr. 17+5reb+3ast, T.Nakamura 16+4ast, K.Roberts 14+1ast, R.Watanabe 9+1reb+2ast, R.Yamazaki 6+5reb

Hokkaido L. - Nagoya DD 61-81

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Dolphins' (25-19) road victory over 5th ranked Hokkaido L. (16-28) in Sapporo 81-61 on Sunday. Nagoya DD outrebounded Hokkaido L. 44-29 including 17 on the offensive glass. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by power forward Scott Eatherton (208-1991, college: Northeastern) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and forward Zylan Cheatham (203-1995, college: Arizona St.) supported him with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Even a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds by center Thomas Welsh (213-1996, college: UCLA, agency: Pensack Sports) did not help to save the game for Hokkaido L.. Forward Terry Allen (203-1993, college: Richmond, agency: One Motive Sports) added 14 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dolphins have a solid three-game winning streak. Nagoya DD maintains fourth position with 25-19 record. Loser Hokkaido L. keeps the fifth place with 28 games lost. Nagoya DD will meet at home league's second-placed Alvark Tokyo in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Hokkaido L. will play against the league's second-placed Gunma CT and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hokkaido L.: T.Allen 14+5reb+2ast, T.Welsh 10+15reb, S.Terazono 9+1reb+3ast, K.Sekino 6+1reb, K.Hoshino 6+1reb+2ast, K.Morizane 5+1reb+4ast
Nagoya DD: S.Eatherton 23+10reb+1ast, Z.Cheatham 10+7reb+2ast, L.Maye 10+8reb, T.Kato 9+3reb+3ast, T.Harimoto 8+2reb+1ast, T.Sato 7+5reb

Ibaraki R. - Alvark Tokyo 86-90

There was no surprise when 7th ranked Robots (8-36) lost to second ranked Alvark Tokyo (32-12) in Mito 86-90 on Sunday. Alvark Tokyo looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by Brazilian Leonardo Meindl (201-1993) who scored that evening 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international forward Ryan Rossiter (206-1989, college: Siena) supported him with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds by American center Jehyve Floyd (203-1997, college: Holy Cross) did not help to save the game for Ibaraki R.. His fellow American import forward Robert Franks (205-1996, college: WSU) added 15 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts. Four Alvark Tokyo and five Ibaraki R. players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Alvark Tokyo have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 32-12 record having five points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Ibaraki R. lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 36 games lost. They share the position with Sendai 89ers. Alvark Tokyo will meet Nagoya DD (#4) on the road in the next round. Ibaraki R. will play against Akita NH and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ibaraki R.: J.Floyd 17+7reb+1ast, R.Franks 15+6reb+1ast, K.Nakamura 15+1reb+2ast, E.Jacobsen 13+5reb, K.Hisaoka 12+1reb+5ast, H.Komasawa 7+1reb+3ast
Alvark Tokyo: L.Meindl 20+7reb+6ast, R.Rossiter 19+7reb+3ast, S.Ando 16+1reb+1ast, S.Saiz 15+5reb+1ast, T.Osakabe 8+2reb+3ast, S.Zack 4+5reb+1ast

Kyoto H. - Nagasaki 63-84

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Nagasaki (21-23) crushed on the road one of their biggest challengers Kyoto H. (22-22) 84-63 on Sunday. Nagasaki made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Kyoto H. turnovers. Nagasaki looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American Mark Smith (193-1999, college: Kansas St.) who scored that evening 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and international Yudai Baba (196-1995) supported him with 18 points and 5 assists. Four Nagasaki players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds by American center Charles Jackson (208-1993, college: Tenn Tech) did not help to save the game for Kyoto H.. Italian-American forward Angelo Caloiaro (203-1989, college: USF, agency: Pensack Sports) added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Nagasaki moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Akita NH and Hiroshima D. Loser Kyoto H. keeps the fourth position with 22 games lost. Nagasaki will meet at home Hiroshima D. (#5) in the next round. Kyoto H. will play against Shiga L-Stars and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Kyoto H.: A.Caloiaro 13+8reb+4ast, C.Jackson 12+11reb+2ast, Y.Okada 9+3reb+1ast, K.Mizuno 9+1reb, S.Maeta 7+3reb+1ast, H.Kawashima 5+1reb+2ast
Nagasaki: M.Smith 20+5reb+6ast, Y.Baba 18+2reb+5ast, J.Brantley 11+6reb+4ast, T.Groves 10+9reb+1ast, H.Yamaguchi 8+1reb+2ast, K.Kawamata 7+1reb

Sea Horses M. - Ryukyu GK 76-85

An interesting game for Golden Kings (31-13) which played road game in Kariya against 3rd ranked SeaHorses (29-15). First ranked Golden Kings managed to get a 9-point victory 85-76. Ryukyu outrebounded Sea Horses M. 36-21 including a 24-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Ryukyu players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Victor Law (201-1995, college: Northwestern, agency: Pensack Sports) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) and the former international center Alex Kirk (211-1991, college: N.Mexico, agency: Pensack Sports) who added 16 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. Greek-American center Zach Auguste (208-1993, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds and American power forward Davante Gardner (203-1991, college: Marquette) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. SeaHorses' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Golden Kings have a solid three-game winning streak. Ryukyu maintains first position with 31-13 record, which they share with Gunma CT. Sea Horses M. at the other side keeps the third place with 15 games lost. They share the position with Chiba Jets. Ryukyu will play against Kawasaki (#8) in Kanagawa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sea Horses M. will play on the road against FE Nagoya (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Sea Horses M.: D.Gardner 16+5reb+1ast, Z.Auguste 14+7reb+3ast, S.Nagano 11+2ast, Y.Kubota 10+1reb+4ast, A.Schafer 9+4reb, R.Sumino 7+2reb
Ryukyu GK: V.Law 29+10reb+7ast, A.Kirk 16+6reb+1ast, K.Aluma 14+8reb+1ast, J.Cooley 12+8reb+3ast, R.Kishimoto 6+2reb+2ast, M.Waki 5+1reb+1ast

Shiga L-Stars - Chiba Jets 80-95

Very expected game when 8th ranked Lakestars (5-38) lost to third ranked Jets (29-15) in Shiga 80-95 on Sunday. Chiba Jets made 24-of-31 free shots (77.4 percent) during the game, while Shiga L-Stars only scored seven points from the stripe. They outrebounded Shiga L-Stars 38-25 including a 28-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Chiba Jets looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American forward DJ Hogg (203-1996, college: Texas A&M) who scored that evening 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import forward John Mooney (206-1998, college: Notre Dame, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Jets players scored in double figures. Jets' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 24 points by guard Kohei Tsuneta (186-1999) did not help to save the game for Shiga L-Stars. Australian forward Brock Motum (208-1990, college: WSU, agency: Slash Sports) added 14 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Chiba Jets maintains third position with 29-15 record having eight points less than leader Tochigi Brex, which they share with Sea Horses M. Newly promoted Shiga L-Stars keep the eighth place with 38 games lost. Chiba Jets will meet at home Koshigaya A. (#6) in the next round. Shiga L-Stars will play against Kyoto H. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Shiga L-Stars: K.Tsuneta 24+1ast, B.Motum 14+4reb+6ast, H.Hasegawa 11+7reb+3ast, A.Yu 8+3reb+1ast, M.Cummings 8+5reb+4ast, D.Nomoto 7+1reb+2ast
Chiba Jets: D.Hogg 24+8reb+5ast, J.Mooney 17+14reb+5ast, C.Smith 16+4reb+1ast, Y.Togashi 14+4ast, N.Tashiro 9+5reb+3ast, R.Kanechika 8+4reb+2ast

Sunrockers Sh. - Shimane SM 61-85

An interesting game for Magic (28-16) which played road game in Tokyo against 4th ranked SunRockers (24-20). Second ranked Magic had an easy win 85-61. Shimane SM outrebounded Sunrockers Sh. 42-28 including a 32-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Shimane SM looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by the former international guard Seiya Ando (181-1992) who scored that evening 34 points (!!!) and Australian Nick Kay (206-1992, college: MSU Denver) supported him with 20 points (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Magic's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 21 points by Kazakhstan-American point guard Anthony Clemmons (187-1994, college: Iowa) did not help to save the game for Sunrockers Sh.. American forward Reid Travis (203-1995, college: Kentucky, agency: Pensack Sports) added 7 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Shimane SM maintains second position with 28-16 record having nine points less than leader Tochigi Brex. Loser SunRockers dropped to the fifth place with 20 games lost. Shimane SM will meet Saga B. (#7) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Sunrockers Sh. will play against the league's leader San-en NP in Hamamatsu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sunrockers Sh.: A.Clemmons 21+3reb+3ast, D.Tanaka 9+3reb+1ast, L.Vendrame 7+2reb+3ast, K.Jones 7+4reb+1ast, R.Travis 7+5reb+1ast, J.Hawkinson 4+5reb+2ast
Shimane SM: S.Ando 34+3reb+3ast, N.Kay 20+4reb+3ast, J.McAdoo 9+10reb+5ast, S.Tsuyama 6+5reb+2ast, S.Yokochi 3+1ast, H.Kitagawa 3+2reb

Tochigi Brex - San-en NP 89-105

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Tochigi Brex (36-8) at the home court on Sunday night. Hosts were defeated by San-en NP (38-5) 105-89. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Tochigi Brex. San-en NP dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tochigi Brex's 32 and made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. San-en NP looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by Tochigi Brex helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American forward Yante Maten (201-1996, college: Georgia) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. International swingman Hirotaka Yoshii (196-1998) contributed with 24 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. San-en NP's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard DJ Newbill (193-1992, college: Penn State) replied with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists and his fellow American import center Grant Jerrett (208-1993, college: Arizona) added 16 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Tochigi Brex. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. San-en NP maintains first position with 38-5 record which they share with defeated Tochigi Brex. Tochigi Brex at the other side still keeps top place with eight games lost. San-en NP are looking forward to face Sunrockers Sh. (#5) in Tokyo in the next round. Tochigi Brex will play at home against Sendai 89ers (#8) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Tochigi Brex: M.Hiejima 17+1reb+1ast, G.Jerrett 16+7reb+2ast, D.Newbill 15+7reb+12ast, G.Edwards 10+9reb, I.Fotu 10+3reb+1ast, A.Ogawa 7+2reb+2ast
San-en NP: H.Yoshii 24+3reb+3ast, D.Nwaba 20+5reb+5ast, Y.Maten 16+12reb+5ast, D.Dudzinski 15+3reb+1ast, R.Sasaki 11+3reb+4ast, S.Oura 8+2reb+3ast

Yokohama BC - Saga B. 82-93

There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Ballooners (13-31) won against their close opponent B-Corsairs (18-26) in Yokohama 93-82 on Sunday. Saga B. outrebounded Yokohama BC 47-32 including 33 on the defensive glass. Saga B. looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American Yoeli Childs (203-1998, college: BYU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points and 20 rebounds and the other American import power forward Allen Durham (198-1988, college: Grace Christian) supported him with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Durham is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Ballooners players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 8 rebounds by French power forward Damien Inglis (206-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) did not help to save the game for Yokohama BC. Estonian center Maik-Kalev Kotsar (210-1996, college: S.Carolina) added 18 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. B-Corsairs' coach tested twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Saga B. maintains seventh position with 13-31 record which they share with defeated Yokohama BC. Loser B-Corsairs keeps the seventh place with 26 games lost. Saga B. will meet at home league's second-placed Shimane SM in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Yokohama BC will play against Osaka E. (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Yokohama BC: D.Inglis 20+8reb+2ast, H.Matsuzaki 19+6reb+1ast, M.Kotsar 18+9reb+2ast, T.Oba 9+1ast, K.Morii 8+3reb+8ast, K.Ravena 4+3reb+5ast
Saga B.: Y.Childs 27+20reb+2ast, K.Kanamaru 21+1ast, A.Durham 15+13reb+6ast, T.Sumida 12+1reb+5ast, R.Garcia 6+3ast, J.Harrellson 6+9reb+4ast